SEACLIFF Stables, near North Berwick, is fundraising to allow it to continue caring for its horses, after the coronavirus forced its temporary closure.

The stables closed and ceased rides on March 24, the day after the lockdown announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Due to the shutdown, Seacliff, which has been running for 20 years, has been without an income, but must still pay for feeding, bedding and general upkeep of the stables, its horses and ponies.

Carol Boswell, owner, said: “When this all started I had quite a few customers who rang me and said they would like to donate. They love coming here and quite a lot said the horses bring them therapy, so my daughter set up a fundraising page.

“Our first priority is and always will be the welfare of our horses, ponies, staff and visitors.

“But we just don’t know how long we’ll be able to keep things going without being open for business.

“If anyone is able to donate to help us during this time they are very welcome to do so. 

“If anyone would like to donate hay or supplies to their favourite four-legged friend, please let us know. Any donations, no matter how small, will be hugely appreciated.

“We really want to do all we can to make sure that we’re able to keep things going so we can open again when we’re allowed to. And we can’t wait to be able to welcome everyone back as soon as we can.”

Carol says she is “humbled” by the response she has received so far.

She said: “Even another local equestrian establishment called and offered two bales of hay. Bales of hay are about £35 each and we are using a lot of them.

“It’s astounding how kind everyone has been; we’ve even had donations from America. I would like to thank everyone so much for their continued support.

“Nearly every horse has a sponsor now. We wouldn’t survive if we didn’t have the fundraising page.”

Despite a tough few weeks, all of the twenty-plus horses are doing well and getting enough exercise.

The upkeep has become a family affair, with Carol, her partner, daughter, son and son’s girlfriend all chipping in to help out.

Donations – already around the £2,000 mark – can be made via gofundme.com/f/help-seacliff-stables