We’re taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge again this year. It’s the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign in which we’re hoping to raise £6,000 in just one week to help support 40 children through a 12-week programme at Ride High, starting in January 2026.
The money raised will directly fund sessions with the horses. Horses enable us to make a special connection with children and just being in their presence helps to instil confidence, self-esteem and pride. Every donation we receive will be generously matched by our supporters, NiftyLift and Big Give Champion The Reed Foundation.
Alex is 14 and on the waiting list for a place at Ride High. He has diabetes and has a difficult home life split between his parents while also caring for his mother who has significant health issues. He manages his diabetes and all GP appointments while also taking care for his siblings making him the ‘adult’ of the house. Alex has also witnessed one of his siblings pass away which has lead to struggles with anxiety and feeling very isolated. A place at Ride High would provide Alex with a positive focus away from home and the opportunity to make friends and have fun, forgetting the pressures that come with his day to day responsibilities.
From midday Tuesday 2rd December to midday Tuesday 9th December please donate to Ride High via the Big Christmas Give. Any amount big or small will make such a difference to helping us change childrens lives.
““We’ve seen Layla flourish since she’s been here. She was lonely and frightened and in a really dark place. The support from the team has been instrumental in her thriving and it’s like she’s come alive again. Ride High has given Layla her life back”“
– Layla’s mum
“I was really shy and introverted at first because I was scared of what people would think of me, but when I realised there was nothing to be scared of, I started to open up and show my true colours. I felt so happy when at Ride High. Riding the horses gave me a sense of peace that I never knew I had. It allowed me to forget my struggles and focus on riding.”
– Ash, 14, ex-member
“Ride High is like a bubble that is so different to the rest of my life, it is such an escape for me that helps me not be in my head as much. I don’t often have times when my mind isn’t busy and overthinking, but when I am here I find the horses comforting so I properly relax. During the week I look at my Ride High session and feel good about what I did that week.”
– Adam, 16, Member
With thanks to our supporters
