Latest funding award for HorseBack UK in Aberdeenshire takes total awarded to over £1 million
A Scottish charity which uses horses to help wounded and injured veterans regain confidence has received a £150,000 grant from Help for Heroes.
HorseBack UK based in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, was awarded the cash to increase the number of equine therapy classes it can run.
The money, which takes the total it has received from Help for Heroes to over £1 million, will fund the delivery of 10 courses, benefitting up to 100 wounded, injured and sick veterans.
Of the latest grant, Emma Hutchison, founder of Horseback UK, said: “Help for Heroes have been major funders of HorseBack UK from the beginning.
“Without their belief and support both financially and otherwise, HorseBack UK would not be where it is today.
“The £150,000 grant not only contributes largely to the course costs but also forms a basis on which many other grants and funds are raised.”
The charity was set up seven years ago and has helped more than 500 veterans with an amazing 94% of participants saying they have seen improvements in areas such as their relationships, sleep schedules, and general lifestyle.
George Brown from Glenrothes, Fife, has back injuries and mental health issues following 15 years service with the Military Police, which included tours of Northern Ireland, Germany and Cyprus.
He was put forward for a HorseBack course by volunteering project manager of Step Together Volunteering – which has just been awarded £80,000 by Help for Heroes.
“I didn’t even think I could get on a horse, but that wasn’t a problem as they have all kinds of equipment to help,” George said.
“The course was excellent. I was with five other veterans and it was very relaxed. As well as learning the basics of horsemanship, we also got to try falconry and bushcraft.
“It is amazing to be able to "read" a horse’s feelings and by the end of the five days, have a great sense of achievement and a confidence boost.
“I am going back in April to do the next course which includes riding and map-reading, and hope to complete the final phase which involves riding out into the wilds and staying overnight.”
Claire Barnes, head of grants at Help for Heroes, added: “Help for Heroes is all about getting the very best support to the wounded servicemen and women and their families whose lives are changed by their injuries and illness.
“We are delighted to be able to work with other organisations such as Horseback UK, Step Together and the services’ own charities to ensure that the wounded and their relatives get the speedy support and opportunities they so richly deserve.”
