A RIDING school which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic is appealing for donations to help it get its ponies through the winter.

Pevlings Farm Riding and Livery Stables in Horsington has had to close temporarily after the country was put into lockdown for a second time earlier this month in line with Government guidance.

The riding school is owned by Alison Tytheridge who opened the venue in 1985 with the aim of offering inclusive riding lessons to children and adults in Somerset. Alison said the coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on her business and the riding school is currently working on a 'skeleton staff'.

She has started a crowd funding page to raise funds to get her ponies through the winter and to ensure the school can see it's 36th anniversary next year.

“Along with many other businesses, coronavirus has had a huge financial impact on us,” Alison said.

“Our outgoings during this second lockdown are much higher as the ponies are stabled at night and require daily bedding, feed, hay and water in addition to their normal health care requirements.

“It has been said that these horses and ponies really are the staff of our business but unfortunately they cannot be furloughed, and we cannot simply shut our doors. We are working on a skeleton staff to ensure the horses and ponies still get the care they deserve.

“Please, if you can, help us to get through so we can see our 36th anniversary next June. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, and we look forward to opening our doors again to riders, past, present and future.”

The page was launched on Wednesday (November 18) and Alison said she is 'overwhelmed' that £3,396 has been raised to help the riding school.

“Thank you. Just thank you!” Alison said.

“I am overwhelmed by your generosity and deeply touched by your kind messages.

“The Pevlings ponies mean so much to me and I am so pleased you all feel the same. Pevlings is my world – a world I have shared with so many and to feel supported in this way is truly amazing.”

For more information on Pevlings, its ponies and the dedicated team who run the yard, please visit www.pevlingsfarm.co.uk/ (or view the Pevlings FaceBook page).

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