Simonswood Riding Academy was opened by Mal McHugh as a local riding school where children from the surrounding housing estates could come and not only learn to ride but look after the horses and ponies and respect the animals.The school also runs a helpers scheme were the children who come and help are given a free ride in appreciation for their hard work.

Over the years the school has seen many of their helpers take up a career in equine activities and go on to study at Equine colleges,many of the pupils who come to learn to ride have also gone on to compete at shows and also attend equine college,Fun days & Own a Pony days are also part of the holiday activities that have been cancelled as well as the work the Donkey's and Therapy ponies would be doing now. There are 20+ horses, ponies & donkeys at the stables and at present as with all riding schools they are on lockdown but the feed,haylege & straw is still needed as with such a wet winter the grass hasn't grown so no grazing turnout.If you could help raise some much need funds both Mal,Lisa and all the staff & kids would be eternally grateful, Mal & Lisa have always been "giving" people themselves whether it be time, money or just helping someone out so we would like to have the opportunity to do something for them at this really hard time. Haylage is 45/50 per bale 1 is used each day /straw is 25.00 per bale 1 is used per day plus varius feeds for the older and retired school ponies and over the coming weeks farrier too. Thank you once again for reading our story everyone at Simonswood Riding Academy