A RIDING school for the disabled in Longham threatened with the loss of its outdoor arena is trying to raise thousands of pounds for new premises.

The Southfield Riding and Driving for the Disabled Group hopes to raise £250,000 through its own fund-raising and a lottery grant to buy its own land to secure the future of the site.

One driving force behind the appeal is Steve Butterworth, a trustee of the group, whose son Nick rides there regularly.

Nick, 13, from Colehill, has Downs Syndrome and horse riding is something he can enjoy despite his physical difficulties.

Steve said: "Once he is on a horse he is at no disadvantage to anyone else. It gives him a sense of achievement being able to ride and making the horse do what he wants.

"Children at the riding school learn horse care and take part in dressage competitions. Horse riding is a leveller and puts him on the same level as able-bodied people."

The school, which provides riding lessons for pupils from special schools throughout the week and individual disabled children on weekends, lost its outdoor riding area last year and is likely to have to leave its current location by 2006.

If it can find a new site, it plans to invite other schools in the area to run from the same premises.

Steve's employer JP Morgan has already promised £10,000 towards the appeal and he is planning a ten pin bowling tournament and inviting local businesses to enter teams to help raise the rest.

The sponsored event takes place on Sunday, November 21 at Bowlplex and there are still places available for teams wishing to join. For details call Steve on 01202 883006 or Duncan Porter on 01202 516823.

The running of the school requires a troupe of helpers - each child can require up to four volunteers - and the school needs more volunteers if it is to fulfil its goal of extending provision of lessons to a Sunday.

Anyone experienced with horses or willing to learn who can spare up to two Sunday mornings a month is asked to contact Sue Downer on 01202 527615.

First published: Sept 25