In a heart-wrenching blow to the community of Toton and its neighbouring areas, St Leonard’s Riding School, a cherished family run business for over six decades, has fallen victim to unprecedented flooding, rendering the facility in ruins.
The floodwaters have caused extensive damage totalling over £60,000. 54 horses had to be evacuated in the evening and taken in by members of the local community. The main arena has been destroyed, a bridge connecting two yards has been swept away, and the tarmac on the grounds has also been lifted.
St Leonard’s Riding School has been the cornerstone of the community, offering not only riding lessons but also organising family-friendly events and fundraisers. It has been a haven for thousands of children, young adults, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.
The school has facilitated transformative experiences, allowing children to develop fundamental life skills and has been a hub for competitions and fundraising events, contributing significantly to the vibrant community spirit.
The owners are now appealing to the wider community and beyond for support to rebuild and restore the riding school. A fundraiser has been created to help gather the necessary funds, and the school earnestly seeks the help of its supporters to contribute. The goal is to raise £10,000, and so far, they have been able to raise just over £8,000. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.
St Leonard’s Riding School has not just been a place for riding; it has been a sanctuary for growth, learning, and community bonding. The resilience of this institution lies not only in its bricks and mortar but in the hearts of the people it has touched over the years. The school’s owners, team, and the community at large are determined to bring it back to its former glory, but they cannot do it alone.
Evolve Care Group has a connection to St Leonards through several of its team members who come from the area and have had the pleasure of attending the facility and keeping their horses there. They value the importance of supporting each other in times of need and helping the local community where they can.
To support St Leonard’s Riding School in this critical time, please visit the fundraiser link and contribute what you can. Your generosity will not only help rebuild a facility but also uphold the spirit of community and care that St Leonard’s Riding School has embodied for generations.
Go Fund Me link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/b4ran-help-our-ponies?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer