Family-run riding school appeals for funds to save jobs and horses
By Jacob Paul
A family-run horse riding school has asked for donations in a bid to save 20 jobs – and the lives of 18 horses.
The goal of £10,000 will help to keep Dulwich Riding School on Dulwich Common alive, and any money left over will be given to charity.
Jaye Monte, 52, the owner, took over the family business three years ago, which was started by her Grandfather in 1961.
She has asked regular riders to top up their credit accounts for future lessons and welcomed donations of carrots for the horses.
But her running costs remain the same, and she’s not receiving an income because of Covid restrictions.
“It’s a home from home for a lot of people, myself included, and we get from the community what we give back,” she said.
“I can’t even imagine losing it, Dulwich has always been here for me since I was a child and we will have to make it work.
“We’re exploring every avenue we can and to lose it will mean devastation not just for me but for so many people that are linked with the school.
“It’s not mine [the school], it belongs to the community and my grandfather and we still see it as that every single day.”
Britt Burnett (pictured), a rider at the school, has set up a crowdfunding page on Just Giving for people to donate to.
Britt said: “I learned to ride at Dulwich Riding School and my kids are now learning to ride there, so in a desperate attempt to help, I suggested we reach out to the community for help.”
“if we don’t want to see yet another local business shut its doors, we have to act now.
“Everyone is struggling at the moment, and there has been very little government help for stables.”