Community rallies to save Penton's Lads Lodge Riding Centre

Lads Lodge in Penton, near Carlisle, has been running since 2019 and is an equestrian facility that offers riding classes and equestrian vaulting for all ages and abilities.

It provides a 'safe haven' for many, including those with physical and mental health issues.

Owner Sabine Bliss, a German competition rider, says the riding centre is now under threat of closure following the passing of her partner Derek, who co-ran the centre, in 2022.

"Through circumstances and because my partner died without a will, we have to raise the money to keep the centre going,” she said.

Lads Lodge has been running since 2019 (Image: GOFUNDME)

The community has already raised nearly £6,000 but there is still a long way to go to reach the £30,000 target.

“We are really grateful to everyone, there have been really generous donations from the likes of parents," Sabine said. 

"It’s very humbling to see how many people care enough to try and save the centre.

“We’re a small and personal centre. It is a safe haven for a lot of people.

"We have a lot of people who come with physical and mental health issues.

"We have two boys who are registered blind, they say they are not being challenged elsewhere – they get challenged here.

"Everyone is the same here, so it’s heartbreaking that it may close," she said.

With hopes of bringing the centre closer to its goals, numerous fundraising events are in the pipeline such as bingo and quiz nights as well as an upcoming Bonfire night.

More information on upcoming events can be found at www.facebook.com/Ladslodgeridingcentre

Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page which can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-lads-lodge.