Equipment stolen from a disabled riding school near Grantham has largely been replaced after a swift outpouring of local support and donations. Kesteven Rideability, which runs sessions for children and adults with disabilities from its base in Hough on the Hill, was forced to cancel lessons in May after thieves took items that the charity says were originally funded by years of fundraising.
Rapid recovery after serious loss
The charity's founder described the reaction from the public as deeply moving. Around £15,000 has now been given by members of the public, enabling the group to replace most of the missing equipment and to install new security measures. In addition, Councillor Ian Selby donated £5,000 to pay for a trip to Wales for young disabled riders.
"It was overwhelming because it validated us. It made us think people really do care about what we do."
The founder, Karen Thompson, said the moment she discovered the theft was "horrible", leaving her feeling "flawed and numb and angry". She estimates the stolen items cost between £15,000 and £20,000 and said all the equipment had originally been paid for through fundraising. The loss prompted a temporary suspension of sessions, but help from the equestrian community allowed Kesteven Rideability to reopen within 10 days.
Practical steps and local impact
The swift fundraising and security upgrades mean sessions can continue with reduced disruption for the charity's members, many of whom rely on riding for physical therapy, confidence-building and social contact. The situation underlines both the vulnerability of small charities to theft and the importance of local support networks when incidents occur.
- Amount raised from public: ~£15,000
- Councillor donation: £5,000 (for a riders' trip)
- Estimated value of stolen items: £15,000–£20,000
- Time to reopen: 10 days after the theft
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Public fundraising | ~£15,000 |
| Councillor donation | £5,000 |
| Estimated theft cost | £15,000–£20,000 |
For families who use Kesteven Rideability, the charity's return to normal activity will be a welcome relief. The incident also prompted conversations across Lincolnshire's equestrian and voluntary sectors about improving security and insurance cover for specialist equipment that can be costly to replace.
While the immediate crisis has been eased by donations and community assistance, the episode highlights ongoing pressures on small charities that deliver vital services to disabled people. Continued local awareness and support will be important if Kesteven Rideability is to maintain and expand its work after this disruption.
