A PIONEERING riding school for the disabled — beset by burglary and money problems — is finally looking forward to a brighter future.
Millers Nook Riding School in Lostock Lane, Westhoughton, faced closure at one point after mounting debts were worsened by a break-in when expensive riding equipment was stolen.
Now, however, building and reclamation work is set to transform the site, currently closed — finally giving the school an indoor centre where disabled youngsters can enjoy riding under cover.
"Yes, we've had a tough time," said owner Kath Miller. "But we're really hoping that things will go well now."
Millers Nook was opened 10 years ago by Kath and her partner Brian Howard on land Kath owned to stable her horses.
It was when her grandson Jimmy was born with cerebral palsy, autism and special needs, though, that Kath became aware of the healing power of horses for disabled youngsters.
"I always took Jimmy with me when I fed the horses," she said.
"He would just sit there with this blank stare. But, one day, as I was grooming my horse Dolly, I noticed that Jimmy wasn't staring, he was watching.
"I brought Dolly nearer to him and he reached up a hand to stroke her. It was very emotional because he hadn't been able to communicate before and here was something I could build on."
Unable to get Jimmy into a local riding school, she decided to open her own.
So, she sold her house and the family moved into a large wooden chalet on the site. Since then, scores of youngsters with disabilities, plus children in care, abused children and adults with special needs, have come to the riding school to ride and groom the 16 horses..
"Horses are very soothing," she added. "They're very non-judgemental and, because many of ours are rescue horses they're gentler.
"It's truly magic to see the connection with the children."
At the school, however, everything was outdoors and when the weather was bad many of the disabled youngsters missed their sessions.
Kath and Brian long held a dream of having an indoor riding centre but that seemed likely to remain a dream.
Then they found that, by having the land officially re-claimed, they could also create a new indoor centre and riding track.
"We're set to re-open in May," said Kath. "There's mud everywhere at present but it will be so wonderful when it's all finished — I just can't wait."
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