BROADLANDS Group Riding for the Disabled Association in Medstead opened its gates last Saturday for its annual open day, which attracted some new friends and raised a much appreciated £660 toward the running of the centre.

It was a day of celebration after the group achieved its first £185,000 fundraising goal to complete the removal of the asbestos roof on the indoor riding arena.

A major step toward the centre’s £490,000 Raise the Roof appeal, work has also been carried out to add an extension to the arena, repaint the original steelwork, install a new roof and board two sides to create a new hay barn.

There to help with the celebrations and to cut the ribbon to commemorate the completion of the roof phase was TV presenter Alastair Stewart, who also launched the next phase of the challenge - to raise £50,000 to build a viewing gallery and lecture room and complete the hay barn fire walls.

Nigel Hoppitt, chairman of trustees at Broadlands, said: “Updating the facilities will enable the group to start evening rides, increasing the number of riders and families able to benefit from the facility, but to achieve this they will need more volunteers and coaches.

The open day included demonstrations by riders aged from six to 60-plus to showcase the capabilities of the Riding for the Disabled Association ponies, and a demonstration by Gillian White, who competed at the Association’s national dressage finals last year.

There was a barbecue, drinks and homemade cakes available in a marquee, as well as a plant sale, with funds going to help feed the ponies.

To help with the fundraising campaign or to become a volunteer, visit broadlandsgrouprda.org.uk.