Ride High

Ride High

Ride High - changing the prospects of Milton Keynes' most vulnerable and disadvantaged children

Ride High aims to change the prospects of Milton Keynes' most vulnerable disadvantaged children. We do this by teaching them to ride and care for horses, by developing key social and literacy skills, and by giving them a safe place in which to learn and make friends. We work over the long term in order to build confidence, self esteem and hope for a brighter future.

Why the community needs us
We support 88 disadvantaged children a week. They may be in foster or social services care, be suicidal or self harming, be caring for a parent or siblings, be socially isolated or bullied or living in environments dominated by family breakdown, drugs, alcohol or poverty. We work with the children for the long term. Ride High provides the children with a place of consistency in their lives where they learn skills that will last a lifetime, gain awards and make friends.

Our impact on the community
Ride High was established in 2008 with just six children. Today we have changed the lives of over 1800 disadvantaged children. Over time all the children demonstrate remarkable change and develop clear increase in confidence that is noticed at home and at school. 90%+ of Ride High leavers are back in full time school, college or work experience and are thriving.

Have your donation doubled for free in September
We're taking part in the September Spectacular Match Fund Campaign which starts on Monday 26th September at 10AM. The event will see the Milton Keynes Community Foundation match donations made to Ride High via our Localgiving page up to £500 .So if you would like to make a donation to Ride High it will be doubled! Any amount big or small will make such a difference to our work. Matching will only continue for two weeks from 26th September, or until the pot

The difference your donation will make
We are experiencing one of the worst cost of living crises the UK has ever seen. With energy bills and inflation rising out of control, we are concerned about the huge financial impact the increases will have on Ride High. It’s particularly worrying as we approach Winter and will need to heat the charity house where children spend their weekly sessions.
Referrals to our programme from mental health service teams, children and family practices, GP's etc also continue to increase, exacerbated by the pandemic. Many are from families who are amongst the 1 in 4 children already living in poverty within Milton Keynes. For these children Ride High is very often their lifeline, the one positive thing in their life that they look forward to, and vital opportunity that represents the beginning of a new and positive chapter in their lives. A year ago covid was our biggest challenge, and even though it impacted on each and every one of us, with help from you, our supporters we overcame it. Now we're asking for your help again. Thank you.

Volunteers needed

We are looking for volunteers to help support the weekly sessions with our children. The volunteer role requires two hours of your time each week and it is hugely rewarding. You do not need to have experience with horses.

What your gift could provide

£15

craft materials for the clubroom for a child

£21

a session with the horses for a child

£250

a residential trip for a child during the holidays

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Address: Redland Drive, Loughton, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK5 8EJ

Established in: 2008

Registered charity no.: 1138260