Disabled riding charity 'devastated' after theft

15 hours ago

Stuart HarrattEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Karen Thompson said the charity was "devastated" by the theft

Amanda White / BBC Karen Thompson, who has white hair and is wearing a blue fleece top, stands next to a black and white pony — Karen Thompson said the charity was "devastated" by the theft

A Lincolnshire riding school for people with disabilities has been forced to cancel all of its sessions after its equipment was stolen.

Karen Thompson, founder of Kesteven Rideability, said all the saddles, riding tack and a carriage specially adapted for disabled use had been taken from the charity's stables in Hough on the Hill near Grantham.

She said the raid had "wiped us out really, we are all devastated".

"It's quite sad really. It's going to take us over a month to get these things back again and get back into action, which is going to be dreadful for the people that use us," she added.

Thompson said the specially adapted carriage, used by a pony called Elsa, had only just been bought thanks to a donation by the local Rotary Club.

She estimated the cost of the stolen equipment was between £15,000 and £20,000 which had all been paid for by fundraising.

The charity, which has been running since 1988, provides sessions for children and adults with disabilities.

About 40 riders use the service on a weekly basis and the theft means lessons have been cancelled "for the foreseeable future", Thompson said.

The charity provides riding lessons for children and adults with disabilities

Amanda White / BBC The riding paddock at Kesteven Rideability. It has a black surface and is surrounded by a fence and a hedge. — The charity provides riding lessons for children and adults with disabilities

Thompson said the equipment used was really specialised and it would take some time to order and have replacements made.

"Fortunately, the ponies are fine, we're all alright," she said.

"But, if anybody out there knows anything and they could help find our tack and our carriage, we'd really appreciate it."

She said the theft took place some time on Thursday afternoon and a car was seen towing the carriage on a nearby road.

The crime has been reported to Lincolnshire Police and the BBC has contacted the force for a comment.

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