Open day to 'save the stables' at Margaret Haes Riding School

The Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Holcombe, is opening its doors today, Friday, as part of its 'Save our Stables' programme.

The stables are due to go on the open market in March, meaning the current tenants could lose them forever and have to raise £425,000 to keep them.

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team will be on hand with a fully equipped search and rescue vehicle, and the Rapid Relief Team will provide a burger meal and vegan option free of charge, with any donations for the meal going to the charity's crowdfunding appeal.

The open day will run from 10am to 4pm and will include chances for riders to meet horses.

Dog owners will be able to put their canine friends through their paces with an agility course.

Andrew Butterworth, riding centre chairman said: “The landowner is giving us the chance to purchase the site, including the stables and arenas, for £425,000, and has agreed to hold off advertising the land on the open market if we can raise the funds by 31 March, 2022.

“This is our ‘forever home’, and we’re desperate to buy the site to provide long-term security for the riding school.

"Our instructors, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide access to horses for many people with additional needs, for whom it is a lifeline.

He added: “We support many people with complex issues and conditions, including mental health issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, as well as children and young adults with special education needs, and the lonely and isolated.

“At the height of the pandemic, many of our clients didn’t leave their homes, except to come to the riding centre once a week.

“It gave them something to look forward to, and everyone at the stables had their spirits lifted by seeing what a difference being around horses can make to our clients’ wellbeing.”

Margaret Haes have set up a crowdfunding appeal at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/keep-our-forever-home.