Milton Keynes charity releases new book based on tales of one of its horses

A Horse’s Tale tells of the adventures of Twix, one of the horses at Ride High, a children’s charity based in Loughton, that uses horses, equestrian care and outdoor activities to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

The book has been written by Laura Gannan, who runs the charity’s counselling provision, alongside her colleague Hannah Thompson, who provided illustrations for the book, alongside many of the children who use its services.

Ride High helps around 120 children every week, who come for a period of between three and 12 months, to follow a programme of structured learning, which includes learning to ride and care for horses and associated projects.

The charity has been running for 16 years and has helped 2,750 children so far.

Laura told the Citizen: “I chose to write the book to help raise money to support more spaces for vulnerable children.

“Me and Hannah chose Twix was the main character, because she has a gentle nature and looks after our particularly nervous children.

“It took about six months to gather all the children's illustrations, and we had more than 42 children involved in helping the book come to life.”

The book is told through the eyes of Twix, who shares the magic of Ride High, and celebrates the power of friendship, acceptance and belonging.

So far eight copies of the book have been sold, raising £16 for the charity, and Laura says she is hoping to sell a lot more to help young people who come to the programme.

“Young people come to the programme for a myriad of reasons including family challenges, school challenges, because they are young carers, extremely significant mental health challenges and trauma,” Laura explained.

“A number of children have told us Ride High change their lives and we want to have the opportunity to do just this.”

A Horse’s Tale, which has been independently published, is available now through Amazon priced at £9.99.

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