Whilst studying at the University, Bridget became involved in the inner-city riding school, which began as a six-month pilot but is still expanding today. The day after graduation, Bridget set off on her travels around South East Asia and Australia whilst keeping up with Director duties digitally.
On her return she worked for a finance company before deciding to complete a PGCE to train as a Geography teacher. Bridget says: “My University experience opened my eyes to human geography across Liverpool, and especially the inequalities that still exist across our city, especially in regard to income and education. Exploring this ignited a passion in me for change, and one of the reasons why I decided to become a teacher. I was also able to explore social geography further which, I know, enabled me to look at the ‘bigger picture’ when setting up the Park Palace Ponies project. Being able to understand and envisage the redevelopment of a disused building has really helped.”
The project works closely with local primary schools providing riding lessons for pupils during school time, and animal assisted therapy projects. “The mental health benefits from being around ponies can be plentiful, and Palace Park Ponies feels it is only right that all young people get the opportunities to experience this, regardless of background or income.”
Embedded in the local community, the ponies are regular attendees at community events and even took part in walks during lockdown to visit the local residents of Dingle and Toxteth. The project allows many children and young people in the inner-city to experience a hobby that they otherwise may not get to. “The next champion jockey or gold medal Olympian could be living within the Dingle so we are here to provide them with the opportunities to give it a go!”