A DISABLED riding school has been able to buy a pony after a donation from the Co-operative store in Witney.

Sue Leach, who works at the shop in the High Street, suggested the New Yatt Riding for the Disabled, for its annual fundraising drive and a total of £2,348 was raised through different events and selling second-hand books.

The riding school has been able to retire an older horse and use some of the money to buy a Dartmoor Pony called Kipper. It will use the rest to pay for his upkeep for the next two years.

Kipper has spent time settling in to his new home and is now being ridden by young pupils from Springfield School, Witney.

Praising the support they had received, riding instructor Kay Alty, of North Leigh said they were lucky to have such fantastic suuport from the community.

The 53-year-old said: “Kipper has gone down well so far and we are pleased with him — like our previous horse Scooby, he is quite a character. Scooby retired this week after 19 years bringing joy to riders. We wish him a happy retirement and hope Kipper is just as successful.

“We are very grateful to the Co-op and their customers. It is fantastic to have such local spirit.”

Co-operative staff Ms Leach and Nathalie Newell were both invited to the organisation’s annual dressage competition last Sunday and had a chance to see Kipper in action.

Ms Leach of Witney said: “I heard about the riding school, it sounded like a worthwhile cause, particularly because it helps all ages.

“We went along last Sunday and met Kipper and he’s lovely, bless him.”