At Ride High, the focus is simple but powerful: helping children build confidence, feel happier and believe in themselves. Its newly released 2025 Impact Report shows just how life-changing that support can be.
In 2025, the Milton Keynes-based charity supported a record 374 children and young people – each with their own story, challenges and journey. From those facing anxiety and low self-esteem to children dealing with bereavement, domestic abuse or difficult home lives, the need for support has never been greater.
Behind every number is a child who has grown in confidence, made a friend or felt heard; sometimes for the very first time. Demand continues to rise. The report highlights that 70% of children referred to Ride High are struggling with mental health issues, reflecting the increasing pressures facing young people locally.
Delivering measurable and meaningful impact
The data shows clear, measurable outcomes for children supported by Ride High:
- 100% increased their physical activity
- 56% improved their school attendance
- 95% said they felt able to talk about their troubles
- 97% said they look forward to attending sessions
For many children, Ride High becomes more than a programme – it’s a place where they feel safe, valued and understood.
For eight-year-old Mylo, pictured above, that difference has been life-changing. While his mum was unwell, he found a sense of calm and escape through his time at the charity.
“When I was riding, my head felt quieter and I was happy. Ride High makes me feel safe and happy,” he said.
Ride High continues to prioritise those most in need, with 33% of participants coming from the most deprived areas of Milton Keynes.
Responding to growing local challenges
The need for early intervention has never been clearer. In Milton Keynes:
- 32% of children are living in poverty
- Half of young people are not meeting recommended physical activity levels
Ride High works closely with schools, CAMHS and local authorities to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can step away from these pressures, build resilience and develop the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges.
As a fully self-funded charity, Ride High relies on the support of businesses and the wider community to continue delivering its work.
Corporate partnerships play a vital role – from fundraising and volunteering through to skills-sharing and long-term collaboration.
These partnerships not only help sustain the charity’s programmes but also create meaningful opportunities for young people, including career-focused experiences and access to new technology.
For businesses, it’s a chance to make a tangible difference locally – supporting young people while also engaging teams, strengthening culture, and delivering real social value.
Ambitious plans for the future
With demand continuing to grow, Ride High is entering an exciting new phase.
At the Ride High Equestrian Centre*, a new Alternative Education Provision, Aim High UK*, has launched to support young people in gaining qualifications and developing essential life skills. The charity is also preparing to extend its reach beyond Milton Keynes, bringing its model to even more children in need.
With 70p of every £1 spent going directly towards changing children’s lives, there is a clear opportunity for businesses to be part of something genuinely impactful.
Whether through partnerships, employee volunteering, fundraising or strategic collaboration, businesses can help more children feel safe, confident and hopeful about their future.
Olivia Sugdon, CEO of Ride High, said: “The demand for our services has never been greater. This Impact Report shows the real difference we can make together – and the opportunity for businesses to be part of that impact moving forward.”
To read the full 2025 Impact Report and to learn how to get involved and make a difference visit the website.
*Ride High Equestrian Centre and Aim High UK are trading names for PegasusforRideHigh Limited.
