Who are we?
Deen City Farm is a vibrant community hub located in Merton, London, offering a wide range of services that support both local people and animals. Established in 1978, we provide an accessible space for individuals and families to engage with nature, take part in educational workshops, and develop a love for animals. Our riding school has been an integral part of the community for over two decades, offering equestrian experiences to people of all ages and abilities. We aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where both people and animals can thrive.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We have been fortunate enough to receive a grant from Sport England’s Movement Fund to purchase a new horse for our riding school, but we need to match fund £5,182 in the next 28 days to make this happen. The new horse will be used in our riding lessons, supporting hundreds of children and adults who benefit from our community-based equestrian programs. With this new horse, we will be able to accommodate more riders, improve the quality of our sessions, and offer the experience of riding to even more members of our community.
The purchase of a new horse is vital to the sustainability and growth of our riding school. Not only will this provide a better experience for our existing riders, but it will also allow us to expand our programs, introduce new initiatives, and improve accessibility for people with disabilities, beginners, and those from underrepresented groups.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The funds we raise will go directly towards purchasing the new horse, including:
- Horse purchase:
- Training and acclimatization:
- Riding equipment (saddle, tack, grooming tools, etc.):
We will ensure complete transparency with every penny raised and will provide updates on the horse’s arrival and integration into our riding school. This new addition will be a crucial step in improving the accessibility and quality of our equestrian programs, making a real difference to our community.
Community impact
Deen City Farm is not just a riding school; it’s a community lifeline. By purchasing this new horse, we are investing in the well-being of local residents, supporting physical and mental health through active participation in outdoor activities. Riding has proven benefits for people with special needs, offering both therapeutic and confidence-building experiences. It also supports mental health by providing a safe space for individuals to connect with animals and nature.
Our facilities serve a wide range of groups, including local schools, community centers, and families, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with animals and the environment. By improving our riding school, we can continue to offer these services and expand our reach.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!