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In the heart of Milton Keynes, there is a charity making a profound difference to the lives of children and young people who are among the most vulnerable in our community. Ride High is more than just a charity – it’s a place of hope, empowerment, and transformation.
For over a decade, Ride High has dedicated itself to helping disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young adults who face significant challenges in their daily lives. Many of the young people who come to Ride High struggle with low self-esteem, social isolation, and difficult home circumstances. Some have experienced trauma, neglect, or emotional hardship. Ride High steps in to offer them something powerful: the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and find joy in a safe and supportive environment.
At the heart of the charity’s work is equine-assisted learning. Children learn to ride and care for horses, an experience that is both therapeutic and empowering. The bond they develop with these incredible animals often becomes a catalyst for change – teaching patience, responsibility, trust, and resilience. For many children, riding at Ride High is the first time they feel truly valued and capable of achieving something special.
But Ride High doesn’t stop there. Alongside equine activities, the charity runs creative workshops, life skills programmes, and provides mentoring to help young people build brighter futures. The nurturing environment helps them to regain confidence, re-engage with education, and develop friendships that last well beyond their time at the charity.
The results are inspiring. Parents, teachers, and carers regularly share stories of transformation – children who were once withdrawn now smiling with pride, teenagers finding direction and ambition, and young adults discovering self-belief they never thought possible.
A Local Chiropractor’s Challenge for Ride High
One of the many ways Ride High raises vital funds is through community challenges. This year, Jonathan Grendelmeier, a local chiropractor from Milton Keynes and founder of Advanced Pain Relief Clinic, joined forces with several friends to complete the 100 Mile Challenge in support of the charity. Covering such a distance was no small feat, but the motivation of helping vulnerable children spurred them on every step of the way.
Reflecting on the experience, Jonathan shared:
“It was tough, but knowing we were riding to give children in Milton Keynes a brighter future kept us focused. Every mile felt like it meant something more.”
As a healthcare professional, Jonathan also offered some top tips for preparing for a challenge like this:
- Start small and build steadily – gradually increase your training distance and intensity to avoid injury.
- Fuel properly – focus on a balanced diet with plenty of protein and hydration to support recovery.
- Stretch and strengthen – include mobility work and core exercises to protect your back and joints.
- Rest is as important as training – schedule recovery days to let your body adapt.
- Stay motivated by remembering the cause – knowing you’re making a difference helps when the miles get tough.
Jonathan’s effort, alongside the other men who took part, helped raise vital funds to support Ride High’s life-changing programmes. Stories like this show just how much our community can achieve when we come together for a good cause.
Get Involved
Milton Keynes is fortunate to have Ride High, and the work it does resonates far beyond the stables. It is a reminder that with compassion, dedication, and the right opportunities, every child has the chance to thrive.
If you’d like to support this incredible charity – whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a fundraising challenge – you can find out more at Ride High’s website.
Together, we can celebrate and sustain the life-changing impact Ride High continues to bring to our community.