Help to buy a pony mate for Bertie
Ranchers get in the Christmas spirit by
BERTIE the pony put on his festive best and joined supporters of Sheepy Magna’s Father’s Heart Youth Ranch to wish villagers a happy Christmas.
He was accompanied by some of the youngsters who benefit from spending time with him and his equine friends Lulu and Murphy at the ranch which offers riding as therapy for young people experiencing physical or emotional difficulties.
Dressed as Christmas elves, along with ranch volunteers, they handed out candy canes to villagers in an act of festive goodwill.
Donations were declined but people were invited to attend a fundraising cake sale and raffle in the village memorial hall.
Attended by the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Richard Allen, the event raised £283 which will be used to help buy another pony for the ranch.
Charity manager for the ranch Katie France said a total of £2,000 is needed to buy the mount, a female pony called Lightning which currently lives in Narborough.
Katie, 33, who set up the ranch nearly 10 years ago after seeing equine therapy in action in the USA, said: “The ranch helps disadvantaged and hurting children, using horses to bring fresh hope and love to their lives.
“Children spend time learning to care for, communicate with and ride horses, along with other farm activities.
“It is a peaceful, safe haven for children and families to have fun and unwind.”
Among those who benefit from the equine therapy are pupils from Hinckley’s Dorothy Goodman School who visit weekly.
Many others are fos- tered or adopted children.
Katie said: “It’s amazing to see and to hear from parents about the transformation in their children.
“It is so rewarding. It’s definitely worth it.”
Donations can be made to the Father’s Heart Youth Ranch appeal to buy Lightning through the Just Giving page www.justgivi n g . c o m/ c a mpaigns/ charity/fathers-heart/ Lightning