Demand for our unique service has continued to increase since the pandemic and is reflected in our growing waiting list of over 100 children in need. Other sources within Milton Keynes indicate rising levels of childhood poverty, a growing demand for mental health services, a decline in educational attainment amongst disadvantaged children and young people, and children in the most deprived neighbourhoods not getting enough exercise.
Ride High is addressing all these needs and in 2022 managed to support 256 children and young people facing such challenges. We provided them with a safe and therapeutic sanctuary, where they could find some respite from their traumas and challenges and find peace and happiness in spending time with our horses, in learning new skills and developing a shared interest that bound them together and created long-lasting friendships. A regular weekly visit to Ride High provided stability and consistency and over time our members grew in confidence and moved from a position of surviving to thriving. The transformations we witness are truly incredible.
We can only achieve such outcomes with the support of the wonderful Milton Keynes community – individuals and corporate organisations, fundraisers, donors, supporters and volunteers, and Trusts and Foundations from across the UK. Their contributions are invaluable.
Ride High has come a long way since it was first established 14 years ago in 2008 by Rachel Medill MBE. We’re very proud of the fact that we provide such a vital service to the Milton Keynes community, and we continue to work hard to meet the growing needs of our new City.
Ride High Impact Report 2022
Our Impact Report focuses on our achievements in 2022 it also looks to the future – where we plan to increase the number of children we work with in Milton Keynes but also to grow geographically and establish additional sites where there is a need for our services.
Our Impact Report is intended to tell you more about the work of Ride High, and we hope that it inspires you to consider how you might get involved and support our vital work in the future.
