The manager at the Calvert Trust’s stables in Keswick has thanked the public for their support during lockdown which will enable it to reopen next month.
Henri Carew’s comments came after Calvert Stables at Old Windebrowe welcomed home some of its ponies which had been staying elsewhere while the facility for disabled riders was closed during lockdown.
She said: “Keswick people have been amazing in the way they have backed us. I want to personally thank everyone who has supported Calvert Stables through such a difficult year.
“There is still a long way to go but because of the amazing support received, we are now getting our ponies back on site and making plans to reopen as soon as possible.
“Thank you to all the local people who rallied round to help us raise funds, with a weekly bonus ball, raffles, photo competition and donations to our Stables Bounce Back appeal, plus donations of food and bedding — and local trades people who have helped us at reduced or no cost.
“I can’t thank them all enough and I look forward to everyone again very soon.”
She said the stables’ regular riders were keen to return, but she was asking them to be patient for a little longer while the ponies went through a period of assessment and retraining before returning to full work.
“We will be in touch to arrange lessons. The horses have never had a year off before so we are going at their pace,” she added.
While the stables are officially going to be fully open in June, Henri said it was hoped that they would be open for local riding lessons in May.