Ride High children’s charity has launched a new fundraising campaign to increase support for its vital work, which uses horses to transform the lives of children in need.
The campaign ‘Gather and Graze for Good’, which is specifically aimed at the equine community, encourages individuals to gather friends and neigh-bours (humans and horses) together at their yard this summer to graze on some delicious treats in return for donations for a very worthy cause.
Coffee and cake mornings, homemade treats in the tack room, high tea with the horses, prosecco and picnic with the ponies… the gathering can be whatever people want it to be.
To help Ride High raise awareness of their important work and as an extra incentive to take part in the fundraising campaign, there are fabulous prizes for the ‘host who raises the most’ and for the participant who shares the most creative photo of their gathering on social media. Prizes have been kindly provided by the campaign sponsors RB Equestrian – an equestrian superstore in Milton Keynes – and Kate Everall Photography.
Whether you own or loan a horse, they provide unrivalled companionship and spending time with them has both therapeutic and physical benefits. Ride High, now in its fifteenth year, has had enormous success in using horses to build a connection with vulnerable children – many of whom suffer with mental health challenges and often don’t respond to more traditional interventions such as counselling.
Consistently strong outcomes reflect the progress that children make during their time at Ride High – the charity has supported over 2,000 children in need. The programmes, which give children the opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses, lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and respect, and children learn to manage their emotions, to feel calmer, more resilient and happier in themselves.
Ride High is hoping to raise £5,000 through the campaign. This would fund sessions with the horses for 20 children from the charity’s waiting list for a whole term – an opportunity that will make a huge difference to their lives.
Olivia Sugdon, Ride High CEO, said:
“We are excited to launch our Gather and Graze for Good campaign. We know that horse lovers up and down the country understand how these majestic animals have the power to positively influence lives. We hope they’ll take part in our campaign this summer so we can continue to use horses to have a positive influence on the lives of children in the greatest need.”
Amanda Shirtcliffe, Para Dressage Rider and Ride High Patron, said:
“Ride High is a wonderful charity and I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact they have on young lives. You don’t have to ask me twice to gather friends and eat cake! I’m delighted to support Ride High and urge everyone else to do the same”.
For more information about Gather and Graze for Good and to sign-up to receive a fundraising kit visit: www.ridehigh.org/gg4g
