A fairytale ride to raise funds

The ride had been planned by Lauran Suggett, riding therapy yard manager at Ferring Country Centre to raise money for the centre's riding therapy unit.

It is expected to have raised more than 1,500.

Thirteen riders took part in the event, which left Ferring Country Centre and followed a route via Ye Olde Coach House, the Tudor Tavern and then back to the Roundstone Inn and the centre.

The theme was Nursery Rhymes and Fairytales and a good variety of characters was represented.

The riding therapy school is an integral part of Ferring Country Centre, which has been established for 21 years and provides work and training experience for 50 adults with learning difficulties.

These adults develop work and social skills by helping to run the riding therapy school, which each month provides riding lessons for just over 600 disabled children and adults throughout the local area.

Fourteen horses are used to provide riding therapy and the riders come not only from the local community but also from special schools and disabled groups.

They range in age from four to 80, and develop a strong sense of social inclusion by participating in such a mainstream activity. This is especially noticeable in the younger riders.

Riding therapy is also known to improve confidence, co-ordination, self-esteem and fitness but above all of these benefits it is meant to be fun for those participating.

Caring for the horses at the centre is costly and fundraising is important. It is boosted by a scheme to adopt the horses.

You can adopt a horse from 10 per year, and for this you will receive a certificate, photograph and details of your chosen horse.

For 20 per year, you can also receive a birthday card from your horse, and the centre's annual newsletter.

For 50 per year, you will receive all of the above, and a framed picture of you, either sitting on or holding your chosen horse. For 100 and more, you will get all of the above and a free ride on your chosen horse at each of the centre plant sales, which are scheduled for May, June, and September.

A date for the diary is the centre's major Open Horse Show.

It takes place on Bank Holiday Monday August 25 when there will be jumping classes from Mini Novice at 1'6", showing classes including best rider, family pony, ridden cob and ridden mountain or moorland, in-hand fun classes veteran, best mane and tail, most handsome gelding and prettiest mare and more.

Riders will also compete for Stockley's Challenge Cup for Working Hunter, Pony Club Pony and Riding Club horse.