Riding Centre Saved!

The news we have been waiting for! Dreams can come true!

The continuation of the Margaret Haes Riding Centre on the edge of Holcombe Moor was under threat for the first time in its 50 year existence when the property was offered for sale. The only option was to try and raise the funds to purchase the property, a seemingly impossible challenge.

The response from the community and wider, has been incredible, showing how much riding, or simply being with horses, at the Riding Centre has touched the lives of so many over the years. People wanted us to stay, to be there for them and other families, and future generations.

Even with a generous pledge of funds from a generous benefactor, the crowdfunder was still significantly short of the sale price.

The good news is we have been awarded funds from the Community Ownership Fund and means we can reach the sale price and purchase the property. The Riding Centre can secure the property for present and future generations to benefit from the experiences of being with horses – to empower children and adults with learning disabilities, physical and mental health disabilities, and emotional and social challenges, to lead active and fulfilling lives through equestrian activities.

This would not have been possible without the award of match funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund .

We can now unlock so many exciting opportunities to develop our facilities and experiences, and further benefit our community.

Thank you to all our riders, volunteers, staff, supporters and friends who supported the fundraising appeal. Thank you to PossAbilities CIC, Bury VCFA, and our local Community Hub Manager, Councillor and MP. Thank you to the Minister of Levelling Up and team, for the opportunity to apply and secure funds from the Community Ownership Fund. Thank you to everyone who supported Margaret Haes Riding Centre on this long journey . Dreams can come true!