The doughty leader of a horse riding school for disabled and city children is hard pressed to find enough money each year to keep the 16 ponies looking good, and let children experience their first horse ride.
Sister Mary-Joy Langdon of the Wormwood Scrubs pony school tucked behind Hammersmith Hospital has the Mission in London of the Infant Jesus Sisters to look after and has been with the pony school since it began 20 years ago.
"I think that working with horses, reading their body language and developing riding skills help all children make sense of the world," said Sister Mary-Joy.
Now that the Olympics have shown how top class horses perform, manyLondoners are taking a new interest in riding, so the stables are getting ever more busy.
The nun said: "Thefunding is very important for us, since we could do with some help, however small, to help us get through the winter when the ponies need expensive special feed. If you see the pleasure that a disabled youngster gets from learning to ride, everyone can see this is a worthwhile cause."
The principal of the hospital which back the pony centre, Jeanette Steel, said: "When you have problems in your life, you might feel a litle bit out of control. In going riding, there is this one magical moment when you are with this big powerful, beautiful creature and you are learning to control it.
"Many children cannot do much PE, but riding a horse is something they can do, with help."
Anyone who wants to contribute can send adonation to the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, 33 Sunningdale Avenue, East Action W3 7NS.
