Many businesses have had to close during the second lockdown - including Park Lane Stables.

While a vaccine may finally be on the horizon businesses need our support right now.

Park Lane Stables are based just outside Bushy Park and are one of the very few urban horse riding schools you can find in London.

On their sudden closure the stables said: "It is with a very heavy heart that Park Lane Stables had to close its doors on 5 November as the country went back into lockdown.

"Following guidance from our governing bodies, all riding and activities have been suspended until further notice.

"This includes our Pony Visits which proved so popular during the last lockdown. This will no doubt come as a blow to you all, especially when we had just got the green light to start our riding and activities again.

"If you see our ponies being ridden in Bushy Park, this is because our staff still need to exercise the ponies to keep them fit (just like humans need exercise).

"This will ensure they are ready for work when we are given the all-clear to reopen.

"Please try to be patient with us. We want to be open just as much as you do, but we must abide with the rules to make sure everyone is safe, otherwise our insurance would be invalid."

How you can help

The stables hope that they can resume some activities from December 2nd.

In the meantime you can take part in their walking and running buddy scheme.

They also have a Just Giving Page that you can donate to HERE to help the stables out.

They said: "Needless to say, COVID-19 has knocked us for six and without your support we would not be here.

"Your messages of support have brought tears to our eyes and have kept us going through this crisis.

"This will be a very difficult time for Park Lane Stables: without any income we will find it hard to feed and look after our amazing horses and ponies through another Lockdown, especially with Winter just around the corner.

"We have launched a JustGiving campaign today: Lockdown #2 Appeal. If you can help by making a small donation we would be eternally grateful. Just £5 would buy a nutritious salt lick; £20 would buy a bag of feed; £35 would buy a large bale of hay... THANK YOU SO MUCH!"

You can find out more about Park Lane Stables HERE