Jacob started riding in September 2019 (Jacob says it was the 7th, which was a Saturday). 

His weekly lessons at Chigwell Riding Trust, which is part of the Riding for the Disabled Association, have given him so much. Since starting riding Jacob has developed unrecognisably in his confidence and independence, and his lessons have given him a sense of purpose and belonging. 

The kindness and patience of the staff there, many of whom are volunteers, is second to none. Jacob loves seeing them almost as much as he loves being with the horses - all of whom are exceptional in their gentle temperaments. Since the world went into lockdown Jacob has missed horseriding more than anything else and has been very down at times, wishing for the day he can get back into the saddle.

But there's another side to the pausing of lessons. Whilst the sessions are heavily subsidised, families of riders still make a payment towards lessons, which contributes to the cost of running the Chigwell Riding Trust. And so without those payment, the CRT is having to find other ways to meet the ongoing costs of feeding and shoeing horses, ongoing vet bills, and all the other costs that go with running a first rate stables. When Jacob heard that his beloved CRT needs help he couldn't wait to jump in and offer his services, using his very unique and impressive gifts.

And so... Jacob the Amazing Date Boy needs your help! This is how it works...

1. Jacob is asking you to make a donation of £2 (or more if you'd like!)
2.  When you are asked by Just Giving if you'd like to leave a message, please pick a date between 1st January 1997 and 31st December 2028 and type it in the box for us
3.  On Saturday 23rd May at 1.45pm (when he'd usually be starting a riding lesson) Jacob and I will go live on Facebook and I'll read out to him the dates which you've submitted. He won't have seen them before this time.
4. Jacob will tell you which day of the week your date fell on or will fall on, using his Amazing Date Boy talents!
5.  If he gets your date wrong I (Jacob's mum) will reimburse you the full cost of your donation and I'll donate it to CRT on your behalf. If he gets your date right, your donation will be passed on to CRT to help them to continue to look after the beautiful horses that bring so much joy to the life of Jacob and many, many other people with a range of disabilities and special needs.