Lincolnshire disabled riding charity praises support after theft

The founder of a riding school for people with disabilities said she was moved to tears by the wave of support following a recent theft.

Equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen from Kesteven Rideability’s school in Hough on the Hill, near Grantham, in May.

Since then, about £15,000 has been raised by the public so the charity could replace most items and install security systems. Councillor Ian Selby has also donated £5,000 to cover a trip to Wales for young disabled riders.

Karen Thompson, founder of the charity said the support had “brought tears to my eyes”.

The charity, which was set up in 1988, provides sessions for children and adults with disabilities.

Thompson said it was a “horrible moment” when she discovered the equipment had been taken. “You just feel flawed and numb and angry,” she said.

She estimated the cost of the stolen equipment was between £15,000 and £20,000, which had all been paid for by fundraising.

The riding school was forced to cancel all of its sessions, but support from the equestrian community meant it could reopen 10 days later.

Thompson said: “It was overwhelming because it validated us.

“It made us think people really do care about what we do.”