Fife pony hire firm launches fundraising appeal

Kirsty Lee Tudor has raised £300 so far, 30 per cent of her £1000 target, and has given ten Fife groups and organisations nominated by donators a pony visit to look forward to when the lockdown ends.

Kirsty, owner of Toppy Star Pony Hire, applied for various grants and funding, but all have been rejected – leaving her to meet the cost of looking after her 12 ponies without any help, without any income from visits or events.

“It looks like we might not be able to get back to work until August, but my main earning season will be over by then.

“I didn’t want money for nothing so I came up with the idea of the pony visits.”

People who donated have put forward suggestions for groups that deserve pony visits once the lockdown ends, including Lunardi Court care home in Cupar and Age Concern Cupar.

Kirsty has been forced to use tax credits to help cover the cost of looking after the ponies, which includes vet bills for things like vaccinations and hoof trims.

“That’s the only reason I’ve been able to keep going,” she said. “I would have been destitute otherwise. I’ve just fallen through the net.

“It’s expensive to look after ponies. The ponies are all fine and have what they need. They just miss people. They are used to being out and about.”

Kirsty has also had help from local businesses, such as Eden Veterinary Practice and Collessie Feeds.

If you would like to make a donation to support Toppy Star Pony Hire, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kirsty-tudor.