Milton Keynes charity Ride High has submitted plans for its first expansion outside the region through a proposed equine assisted learning centre in Cheshire.
The charity, which has operated from its Milton Keynes base since 2010, is partnering with Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate on proposals to redevelop disused agricultural buildings at Cotton Edmunds Farm in Waverton into a specialist facility supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.
If approved, the site would become Ride High’s second UK centre and its first in the north of England. The plans include indoor and outdoor riding arenas, stables, paddocks, classrooms and office space.
Ride High works with children and young people referred through schools, local authorities, the NHS and other agencies. Participants attend weekly sessions focused on horse care, riding and educational development, with the organisation aiming to support children facing challenges including poverty, isolation and poor mental health.
The proposed Cheshire facility would accommodate up to 120 children a week. Most visitors are expected to arrive by minibus, limiting additional traffic in the surrounding area.
The charity also plans to offer a limited number of public riding lessons, sensory programmes and holiday activities alongside its core support services.
The development would create 14 full-time roles, including a yard manager who would live on site. Up to 20 employees and volunteers are expected to be at the facility at any one time.
Olivia Sugdon, chief executive of Ride High, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate to develop what will be Cheshire’s first equine assisted learning centre and our first in the north of England, subject to planning.
“We’ve been operating from our facility in Milton Keynes since 2010, delivering a measurable impact and improving the lives of thousands of children and young people. The proposed development provides the platform to grow our offering, providing greater support, at bespoke facilities in a beautiful setting.”
Annabel Farbon, agent for Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate, said the proposal would repurpose disused agricultural buildings into what she described as a “sympathetically designed” facility supporting young people across the region.
The centre would operate during daytime and early evening hours throughout the week, with dedicated veterinary and equine care teams supporting the charity’s horses.
