Equestrians help victims of bombing

remembering . . . Horse riders pay tribute to terror attack victims at Hartshead Pike, Tameside

THE horse-riding community united for a memorial procession and balloon release in a unique show of support for the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Despite the rain, riders of all ages saddled up on Sunday morning to ride out together to raise money for the Manchester Victims Appeal.

A total of 32 horses and ponies and their owners, accompanied by more than 15 people on foot, set off from Daisy Nook Country Park and made their way through Park Bridge in Ashton-under-Lyne, along Alt Hill Lane and on to Hartshead Pike.

Organiser Emma Gore, from Ashton, said: "Lots of people have raised funds so we wanted to do our own little bit and add to the cause.

"I was amazed at how many turned out. We live in an area that is surrounded by farms, so for me it was the best idea to raise some money.

"Friends and friends of friends took part and it really brought the horsey community together. It was amazing.

"Every horse was impeccable. Usually when you bring them together as a group it is chaotic, but their manners were fantastic.

"One participating horse was 17 hands, which is huge.

"We all got absolutely soaked because it poured down with rain but we all had a good time.

"Cars were stopping for us and someone even stopped to donate money."

The smallest four-legged participant was Emma's 11-hands-high pony Woody (5), who the family rescued when he was only seven months old. The youngest rider was eight years old and the oldest was in their 60s.

Lorraine Tassaker printed T-shirts for the event, complete with an image of the worker bee and 'We Stand Together' wording.

The memorial event raised £445 for the Manchester Victims Appeal, set up by the Manchester Evening News, which will be added to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, set up by the British Red Cross.

Emma added: "Thank you to everybody who donated and joined in the ride."

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