Fundraising
We try to keep our running costs to an absolute minimum as we are entirely dependent on kind donations and sponsorship. All donations we receive go towards providing our service. We don’t have any paid staff.
What we spend money on
Pony hire
We don’t own our own horses, but we are so fortunate to have Old Tiger Stables support for our work. They hire their riding school ponies at a fantastic discount.
Riding hats and Silks
The safety of our riders is of course our first consideration. A riding hat costs about £80 and the Silk that gives them the colour and individual look another £10.
Riding hats need replacing to meet current standards.
First aid skills
We train our staff with basic first aid skills to ensure if anything were to happen, we have the training to provide care. The course for this costs around £700, and is refreshed every three years.
Other equipment
Whilst Old Tiger Stables supplies the saddles for the ponies, we use our own colour coded reins and some safety strips so the rider can not get caught up in them.
We also have a range of specialist toys which the youngsters interact with whilst riding.
Where our funding comes from
Cake stalls
We have some very generous donations from individuals and businesses, but often it is running cake stalls. Cake seem to feature a lot in our work!
Raffles
We are always looking for raffle prizes.
Our funding also comes from generous donations, which, in 2023 included:
- The Amazon Smile Campaign
- Downham Magazine
- Ely United Lodge of Instruction
- Highgate Stores Christmas Raffle
- Highgate Stores collection tin
- Hiromi Aizawe – an ex-volunteer
- Scotts Farm Shop Collection tin
- Soham Comrades Club collection tin
- St Audrey Lodge No 2727
- Teresa Lilley – an ex-volunteer
- Virtue et Fide Lodge
- Volunteers donations toward the cost of a first aid course
We also get support from organisations inviting us to attend their functions and bring our cakes etc to sell.
Highgate Country Store
We are indebted to Bridget and her team at Highgate Country Store in Willingham. They help us source important equipment for our riders and sessions as well as sponsoring us by donating the proceeds of their Christmas Draw which occurs at the Annual Christmas Shopping Event. We are very grateful for their ongoing support.
It is a lovely shop with extensive stock and well worth a visit. You will not come home empty handed!!
Check out their website