THE Conquest Centre for disabled riders in Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton has received yet more support after thieves stole horse-riding equipment worth over £30,000.

As reported, the centre was forced to cancel all lessons after thieves stole items including 20 saddles and bridles made for individual horses and disabled riders on February 25-26.

After the break in, the centre received a host of support from individuals, community groups and businesses and reopened lessons at the end of March.

International horsemanship coach and working US cowboy Len Judd will be visiting the centre at 7pm on Wednesday as part of his UK tour to help raise cash.

The demo, Western Techniques for English Riders, will focus on how the moves and abilities required of a working cow horse are equally applicable to dressage, show jumping or everyday riding.

Leading dressage rider and centre patron Lucinda McAlpine will also be helping the cause when she visits the centre on April 18 with her tour, Riding The Recession.

She will be bringing her small herd of horses to the centre to demonstrate how keeping horses naturally improves their health and saves money and time. Annabelle Knight of the Conquest Centre said: “At present we have approximately 150 disabled riders and we are the one of the biggest centres for disabled riders in the South West.

“We have 16 horses and ponies. They cost between £2,000 and £3,000 a year to keep, depending on how much they are used for disabled riders.”