Sully the Mechanical Horse - North Ferriby RDA

Aim: Help us bring Sully the mechanical horse to our stables—making therapeutic riding more accessible, inclusive & fun for everyone!

Who are we?

We’re a community-led, volunteer-run Riding for the Disabled group based near the Humber, established in 1999 and officially opened by Princess Anne. We provide therapeutic riding sessions for people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities, additional needs, or those who simply need an alternative to mainstream provision.

Over the years, we’ve grown to become a welcoming, inclusive hub for animal-assisted learning, confidence-building, and rehabilitation. We work with local schools, CAMHS, MIND, MENCAP, social services, residential homes and families across Hull and East Yorkshire—offering personalised, meaningful experiences to each individual.

Thanks to a newly installed roof over our stables, we now operate year-round, regardless of weather, and are ready to take the next step in supporting our community.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We’re raising funds to buy a second-hand mechanical riding simulator, which we’ve lovingly named Sully. Sully is a high-tech, life-sized horse that mimics the movement and feel of real riding—allowing us to offer safe, supported riding experiences to even more people.

This simulator will be transformative for our riders—especially:

• those who are nervous or not yet confident enough to ride a live horse,

• children and adults receiving physiotherapy,

• volunteers who need safe, supported training before working with live horses.

It will also allow us to reduce waiting times, match riders more effectively to our horses, and improve the safety and welfare of both riders and animals.

📣 Sport England will pledge £7,500—but only if we can raise the same amount ourselves. That’s why we need your help to get us to our goal!

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money raised will go directly toward purchasing and installing the riding simulator and everything needed to make it accessible and effective. This includes:

• A custom-built outbuilding to house Sully

• Hoist and mounting blocks for accessibility

• Tack and equipment

• Assessment and training plans to ensure best practice

It will also support the training of new volunteers, helping them build confidence in a safe environment—many of whom first came to us as riders themselves.

Community impact

This project will open doors for:

• Children and young people with additional needs or mental health challenges

• Adults living with disabilities or recovering from illness

• Older people from local care homes—including those with Alzheimer’s or dementia

• Volunteers and future staff from all walks of life

• People who’ve never interacted with animals before, including urban families and those experiencing poverty or isolation

It will allow us to welcome more people than ever before into a safe, supportive, and uplifting environment—improving physical health, emotional wellbeing, confidence, and connection.

How you can play your part

Here are four easy ways to help us bring Sully the Simulator to life:

• Make a pledge
  Every donation helps—and it brings us closer to unlocking Sport England’s £7,500 contribution!

• Spread the word
  Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. Every share gets us closer.

• Offer a reward
  Are you a local business? Donate an item or experience and we’ll give your business a shout-out!

• Fundraise for us
  Whether it’s a sponsored walk, bake sale or TikTok challenge—set up your own fundraiser and help us reach our goal.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 14th August 2025 at 9:36am