Young riders raising money

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‘It was just one of those amazing days!’

‘It was a fantastic day! My little Frankie enjoyed every minute!’

‘Amazing! A big, big thank you to everyone involved, and what an amazing cause to raise money for!’.

Just a few of the comments on social media after a day that witnessed over 100 junior riders enjoy the Inky Dinky Sponsored Lead Rein Ride through the grounds of Bilsington Priory Estate, Bilsington, last Sunday, August 23.

Sponsored by Jill Hick, owner of Inky Dinky Saddles, the manufacturers of unique saddles designed to support young children and those with disabilities, the event raised over £12,000 for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, a cause that is very close to every horse riders’ heart.

All the children raised money by creating their own “Just Giving” page to raise individual sponsorship, with a prize going to the child who raised the most.

Jill said; “We are totally blown away by how much money these children raised. It was an incredibly successful day.”

The event was organised by Rosalind South, operations manager at Bilsington Priory Estate, who was motivated by the lack of events and places to take her two young boys on their ponies. She said; “There’s just nowhere for young riders who need to be led, to go out and have fun. They have indoor and outdoor schools at numerous equestrian centres, but it’s much more fun for them to go hacking through woods and fields occasionally.”

“We had an enormous amount of wonderful support” she added. “We had lots of people come on board to co-sponsor, including Centre Line Equestrian, here at Priory Home Farm, who supplied the jumping lanes, Gillet Cooke, Lillicos Country Store, and all the people who supplied such wonderful raffle prizes.”

Two year-old Mable Fordick celebrates raising the most sponsorship

Riders came from far and wide to take part and two-year-old Mabel Forsdick from Sidcup, aboard her pony ‘Peggy’, proved the most successful rider in terms of sponsorship, raising a massive £1,110, no doubt with a little help from her Mum, Jasmine. Mabel wins a hand crafted, personalised carver chair from JMF Design, Rolvenden for her efforts.

“It was wonderful watching so many smiling faces complete the ride” said Rosalind. “We’ve had such terrific feedback, it looks like we may well have to organise another ride!”

Image Credits: Chris Lawson .

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