A Bradford riding school’s campaign to raise funds for an all-weather indoor arena is gathering pace.

Heavy snow and rain over the winter left several sessions at Throstle Nest Riding School’s outdoor arena needing to be cancelled, including the riding for the disabled group.

Planning permission has been granted for a new enclosure, which would be set on top of the existing outdoor arena at the Fagley Lane school, costing about £70,000 to build. The new building would also include a classroom and toilet area.

A ball was held at the Ramada Jarvis Bankfield Hotel on April 2, which raised about £1,300 towards the new enclosure.

Jeannette Wheeler, who owns the school, said: “The ball was excellent. There were 123 people altogether, it was a fantastic night.”

The school is planning an open day with pony rides and interactive activities. Displays will be staged by children who use the school.

Throstle Nest has secured £5,000 from the Yorkshire and Cleveland Riding for the Disabled regional group and £500 from Bradford company Sovereign Health Care.

Mrs Wheeler said: “We haven’t been so bad just lately because it’s been such nice weather, but when it rains they won’t ride.

“It can upset autistic youngsters and they can’t be out getting wet and cold.

“It would make a heck of a difference to have a roof, we struggle to manage without one in poor weather.”

The riding school’s open day will be on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, from 11am to 3.30pm.

Supermarket bag packing sessions have been organised at Sainsbury’s at Greengates, on Saturday, May 28, and at Morrisons at Five Lane Ends on Saturday, July 2.

Anyone who wants more information, or to support the riding school, is asked to phone (01274) 639390 or visit throstlenestridingschool.co.uk.

  • Read the full story in Wednesday's T&A