Sol’s Ponies transformed by youngsters searching for work

The play area at the family-run riding school in Shaw had fallen down the list of priorities with the patch of land turning into a small heap for toys and other items.

However, that was before the team of 19–25-year-olds specially selected by Groundwork Greater Manchester and the Prince’s Trust lent their hands and skills to transform the run-down area over the course of a week.

The Prince's Trust and Groundwork GM are aiming to train young people up for work over the course of a 12-week programme this summer, and are transforming areas across Oldham with community-inspired projects as they go.

Huge planters that the team have built are now scattered around Sol's Ponies to grow herbs and vegetables.

This time, the team created large planters for herbs and vegetables as well as new colourful signs for Sol's Ponies.

However, the biggest transformation can be seen in the play area.

The volunteers have painted letters and games onto the fencing and floor for the young children who attend Sol's Ponies while plants such as rosemary and lavender have been planted to enrich the sensory experience for visitors.

The Oldham team of volunteers, which go by the nickname O137, chose Sol's Ponies out of a selection of 10 community sites as the youngsters felt compelled to help the small business with their vision.

Sol's Ponies strive to provide accessible riding lessons for all ages, including children with special educational needs, and for families who don't come from 'elite' backgrounds.

The Oldham Prince's Trust team have transformed Sol's Ponies for the benefit of the community.

Inspired by the businesses' ambition, the volunteers envisioned a sensory safe space and community garden in the play area for children - and set about bringing it to life.

Throughout the duration of the project, each young person had their own unique role to perform.

Sam, the project manager, said they picked Sol’s as they were “inspired by the work that Angela and Sol do and the rest of the team at Sol’s Ponies for the community."

Sam added: “We worked hard to make an impact and leave our Groundwork and Prince’s Trust stamp at Sol’s Ponies.”

The team said they certainly faced some challenges from the project, including the weather and access to power tools, but that ice pops and the ponies were a highlight.

The children's play area has been transformed with educational games and plants.

Many of the youngsters have now gained new skills as well as a confidence boost, facilitating their entry into work placement positions.

Two volunteers have been taken on at Sol’s Ponies as a result of their hard work. 

Angela Wellon, business manager at Sol’s Ponies, said the family are delighted with the work completed by the O137 team.

She said: “I don’t think even they realise how much they have helped.

“When my family found the place, it was trashed – there was a muck heap in the middle and a caravan hidden in it.

“Over the years we moved buildings, added buildings and created our little ponderosa.”

But she said that there was one area that had been neglected as resources were stretched to more pressing sections for the staff and family at the farm.

Ms Wellon said this is because the business ensures rising lessons are accessible for everyone, "not just the elite or those who can afford it".

The family also wanted to reduce their effect on the environment by planting fresh herbs and vegetables on the land.

Now, they can easily do that thanks to the Prince's Trust team who have hand-built large planters.

Ms Wellon said: “We wanted to remain off-grid to show others how to look after yourselves and remain self-sufficient.

“Our eco opportunities have now increased by being introduced to a specialist that hopefully will mentor us in our quest.

“But equally important is the effects this will have on our inquisitive minds of our children that attend for lessons or who come with their siblings.

“We have a number of children that attend with sensory issues (and the garden) will provide them with opportunities to explore our yard – our little sanctuary in a safe environment.

“We may have the next David Bellamy or Richard Attenborough coming through our doors.”