Donation is neigh bother
A Stirlingshire group that provides therapeutic horse riding and vaulting sessions can’t wait to get more people in the saddle thanks to a £1000 cash boost from a leading housebuilder.
Equi-Power is a charity and social enterprise that is a member group of Horsescotland, British Equestrian Vaulting, Club Sport Stirling, Forth Valley Disability Sport, and the Riding for the Disabled Association. (RDA).
The charity has been awarded the funds through the Persimmon Homes East Scotland Community Champions initiative, which offers match funding of up to £1,000 to two groups each month.
Equi-Power provides life-changing interaction with horses for people of all abilities, including those with additional support needs. They promote physical and mental health through engaging and enjoyable sporting and learning opportunities.
Julie-Anne Griffith applied for the funds to help the group cover the cost of transporting the horses to the Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre.
She said:“We can’t thank Persimmon Homes East Scotland enough. We are in desperate need of a vehicle with the capacity to tow our horse box and have relied heavily on the generosity of coaches and parents volunteering their services. We really need to invest in a dedicated vehicle to ensure that we can meet the growing need for our service.
“Activities with our horses makes a huge difference to children and adults with physical disabilities, medical conditions, learning difficulties as well as children with autism in our community enabling them to meet new people and gain confidence.”
Due to coronavirus sessions at the stables are suspended but members are keeping connected and learning online, with members most in need of mental health support engaging in free psychotherapy sessions.
Coaches are supporting the Crombie family who provide livery services at the charity’s temporary base near Falkirk whilst work continues with Stirling Council to establish a long-term home for Equi-Power. The group is working closely with Horsescotland to plan safe delivery of activities with horses in line with government guidance in the coming months.
Iain Innes, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “The RDA have a longstanding presence in the community providing help for people with disabilities and we hope our donation makes it possible to reach even more people.
“Our Community Champions scheme aims to support charities and groups across the towns and villages where the company builds, and we are very proud to support Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA.”
To apply to become a participant or volunteer with Equi-Power visit www. equi-power.org