Building set to begin on Buxton riding school’s £140,000 covered equestrian area when lockdown restrictions are lifted

Dave and Louise Thompson, of Buxton Riding School, - which hosts Helen Atkin Group RDA riding sessions - celebrate the start of groundwork

Volunteers at Helen Atkin Group Riding for the Disabled (RDA) set about raising money needed for the 150 sq metre structure at the beginning of last year.

They hit the impressive funding target by combining an online crowdfunding appeal with other charity events such as a sponsored cycle ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

All money raised was match-funded by Sport England - however the idea for the new facility was sparked by a £50,000 gift from the estate of David Hammond.

It will allow disabled riders of all ages and abilities across the High Peak to ride in bad weather - shielding them from cold, wet and windy conditions which can affect them in a variety of ways.

Facilities will include full disabled access and toilet, a fitted kitchen for volunteers donated by Howden Joinery’s Buxton depot, office space and a spectator area.

Wendy Howe, chairman of the school, described the news as ‘wonderful’ - coming at ‘a very dark and difficult time for people across the world’.

She said: “This gives our small group great hope for the future as all our riding sessions are suspended at the moment because of Coronavirus.

“All being well and depending on how the pandemic and lockdown measures evolve we’re hoping our fabulous new facility will be up and running by the end

of 2020.”

Wendy told how the group planned to expand opportunities for riders - encouraging them to develop skills and compete in regional and national RDA competitions - adding ‘this project has huge potential to make a real difference to many people’s lives’.

She said: “I’d like to extend a massive and sincere thank you to all the people, businesses and organisations who have helped us achieve our goal with their much-appreciated

donations and support for our fund-raising efforts.

“Their generosity will enable us to offer more riding sessions and to protect our riders in cold, wet and windy conditions which can affect them in a variety of ways.

“Mentally they can be distracting and distressing while physically they can be painful - restricting muscle movement.”

Friends of Buxton Station challenge youngsters to write ‘positive and happy’ short story in prize giveaway

Groundwork has started to lay firm foundations for the new facility while local companies have already offered a helping hand.

Tarmac Ltd - Buxton Lime and Cement’s charity committee is supplying stone for the arena base and access road.

While Buxton-based Lomas Distribution Ltd is transporting it to the site - both free of charge.

Wendy said: “All our hard working members, volunteers and supporters are extremely excited that what initially seemed an ambitious dream to mark national RDA’s 50th anniversary last year is finally becoming a reality.”