Families rally around Yaxley stables forced to close due to coronavirus

The stables has been unable to furlough staff which owner Rebecca Hardy found at the time “really difficult,” but she has been amazed by her clients’ response to the hard times.

Rebecca said: “We have some amazing clients and they have really rallied around. They are like family. It means so much when people go out of their way to help. It is thanks to them that we are striving to keep going. We’re not unique, in that there are so many businesses who need support.”

Keeping the children who attend involved with the stables has been so important to Rebecca so they still feel a part of the Folly Farm family. Posting emails and photos ‘from the horses’ keeps them up-to-date with their daily activities.

Julia Kiddle, whose daughter Milly has been attending the stables for nearly two years, recognises the difference the stable has had in her daughter’s confidence and other areas of her life.

Julia said: “There’s no other stable that offered the friendly welcome and quality of riding. I’m desperate to do anything to help them survive this.

“School work has never been easy for Milly but through her love of horses her teacher was able to tailor her work to engage her. We would be devastated to see them close (permanently) because of the Covid-19 situation. Riding is Milly’s one true love, and as a mother I cherish anything that makes her so happy.”

The centre, which is due to celebrate its 10 year anniversary in July, hopes to re-open when it can and share the special day with its clients.”