Horse therapy team needs a new home
A HORSE rescue organisation offering equine therapy for young people and adults with behavioural and mental health issues and victims of abuse needs to find a new home by the end of June.
Social enterprise project The Way of the Horse currently runs from rented land and stables on Church Street, Earl Shilton, but has been given notice by the landlord to vacate the site before July 1.
Its five rescue horses and a 23-year-old Shetland pony are used as the focus for sessions for clients with conditions including ADHD, anxiety and depression, and autism as well as victims of abuse.
Director Dina Hooton said: “Our clients can build an enduring relationship with our horses that can be a struggle for them to manage with other people.
“Potentially being homeless and unable to continue our work is a real worry.”
The project ideally needs more than seven acres of land, with stabling for at least six horses, that it can rent by the end of June.
It has recently been assessed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Commissioning Board whose chairman Shani Smith said: “The Way of the Horse is a unique project delivering therapeutic activities to some of the most vulnerable clients across our borough.
“It was recognised as delivering vital services to our community.”
The project also has the backing of the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, fellow horseowner Councillor Richard Allen, who has pledged to do what he can to find the team a new home.
He said: “I am deeply impressed with the work that Dina, her son Joe and her volunteers undertake to help a number of local people.
“If anyone can help with the rental of suitable facilities for the medium or long term I would urge them to get in contact with Dina or myself and offer my heartfelt thanks.”
The project has benefited from a Shire Grant of £5,000 from Leicestershire County Council which was used to buy and equip a sensory cabin, which will move with the organisation when it finds its new home.
Anyone able to help is asked to call Dina Hooton on 07714 269218 or to email thewayofthehorse2015@gmail.com