Young disabled riders will enjoy a summer holiday in Wales thanks to a £5,022 donation from former South Kesteven District Council Chairman Cllr Ian Selby. The charity founder Karen Thompson received the cheque at the Hough on the Hill centre in July 2026, following Cllr Selby's year as Chairman, which ended in May.
The money will cover costs for a five-day August trip to a specialist riding centre near Wrexham. Kesteven Rideability will take six riders and ten volunteers on the holiday, with the donation also funding new polo shirts for the riders.
How the money was raised
Cllr Selby set out to raise £5,000 for Kesteven Rideability as his Chairman's charity. Funds were collected through raffles and events including the Civic Service, Christmas Lunch, SKDC Civic Dinner, Chairman's Charity Show, and Chairman's Spud in the Pot competitions. Individual donations and contributions from Downtown also helped reach the target.
Why Kesteven Rideability
Cllr Selby said: "I chose Kesteven Rideability as my Chairman's charity because their work transforms the lives of disabled children and adults across our local area, and they are a truly valued local charity. The confidence, joy, and independence they help riders achieve is genuinely inspiring."
Karen Thompson, charity founder, said: "It's a godsend and we are incredibly grateful. This donation ensures that we can now pay for everything, plus some new polo shirts for our riders."
Recent challenges and recovery
The charity faced a setback in May when thieves stole much of its saddlery in a burglary. The equestrian community rallied to provide replacements, allowing the centre to restart riding sessions within ten days.