Pony centre preparing to create new record with relay

This Friday will see the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre hold a ‘Lead a Pony Challenge’ – a marathon 12 hour-relay beginning at 8am.

The centre – which is due to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year – is proposing to kick off celebrations with the relay which will involve the children and parents who attend the centre as well as the volunteers.

The centre specialises in the provision of equine therapy for both children with disabilities and special needs.

And as well as aiming to raise £25,000, an application has also been submitted to the Guinness Book of Records office which pony centre volunteers are hopeful will be accepted and subsequently an adjudicator being sent.

Over 350 children attend the pony centre each year – all reaping the benefits which stem from interaction with the 19 ponies housed there.

The children are taught how to care for the animals as well as ride and are all treated as equals irrespective of their condition.

The centre was founded and continues to be run by Sister Mary-Joy who before being ordained ran her own stables in Sussex when in her early 20s.

She then became Britain’s first female fire fighter.

She said: “While it is a constant uphill battle to keep things running, the trials we face are nothing compared to what some of our young riders deal with on a day-to-day basis.

“They are all quite extraordinary young people and deserve every opportunity to find joy in the world around them,” said Sister Mary-Joy.

“It’s simply about giving the children a better quality of life in a safe and caring environment – just seeing a smile on a child’s face makes it all very, very worthwhile.”

To take part in the Lead a Pony Challenge and support the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre log on now to www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org.