Jenny Bridger
Jenny's i360 iDrop Descent 23rd October
Fundraising for Penniwells RDA Centre
Story
Edit: rebooked go 23rd October
As you all know Penniwells Riding for the Disabled is very close to my heart. Over the last year they have really kept me going.
I'm so grateful for all the people who supported Penniwells through lockdown, and enable them to help come out the other side of Covid-19 restrictions. But now is an especially important time, because more than ever with riders coming back we need to be able to keep running. One of the big things to allow those with greater challenges to return is the use of our lift to enable them to get on the horses. By raising the lift platform to a height greater than that of the normal mounting block, almost level with the horse, riders are able to get on with more ease.
Our lift is currently out of action and to replace it will cost £15,000.
Penniwells provides riding and horse care sessions to adults and children of all abilities. Disabled riders are given the opportunity to ride in competition as well as riding for therapy. The Centre is volunteer based and always looking for ways to raise much needed funds. It costs over two hundred thousand pounds every year to run with only half of these costs coming in through riding fees. We rely entirely on donations, fundraising and good will in order to keep providing such a needed service.
Last November I hit a very dark depressive episode again and only when I went back for the first time did I realise how ill I was. I had barely any contact with the ponies, didn't want to stroke Ana, and just felt no connection with horses at all. Over time I opened up to the horses and humans. The time i am able to spend with the ponies is such a comfort for me when i am struggling and when i am able to help by volunteering, it can provide me with a big focus.
It has also really helped me in the past year to keep my struggles with food and eating in check. I soon realised that i was not going to be able to continue to help to muck out if i was not physically able to do it and did not have the energy. It has really helped encourage me to keep my weight up and enjoy treats on the tea breaks.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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