Equine therapy centre in Hampshire secures CLA Charitable Trust grant

An equine therapy centre in Hampshire has been awarded £3,000 from the CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT), to help disabled students connect with horses and nature.

The trust is funded almost entirely by subscriptions and donations from members of the CLA, an organisation which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

It provides grants to charities and community organisations who share its vision to help connect young people who are disabled or disadvantaged with the countryside and nature.

Broadlands Group Riding for the Disabled, based in Medstead, is a specialist equine therapy centre helping people with a wide range of disabilities to transform their hopes, horizons and achieve new life goals.

It aims to be a calm and relaxing environment for all, surrounded by mature trees and wildlife, and in the latest round of CLACT funding has been awarded £3,000.

Nigel Hoppitt, Chair of Broadlands Group RDA, said: “Everyone who comes to us benefits from the environment, removing the stresses of daily life. The 11 ponies, of all breeds, shapes and sizes are chosen for their personality and love working with our participants.

“Our teams of volunteers make the difference, working closely with the ponies whether for riding, carriage driving or ground-based therapy. They bring much enthusiasm and passion and knowledge to support the disabled participants.

“The CLA grant will be used to support our bursary fund, which is currently seeing more requests during the cost-of-living increase and enabling more people to benefit.”

Bridget Biddell, Chairman of CLACT, said: “The trust was grateful to learn of the special work that Broadlands RDA does in providing bursaries for young disabled or disadvantaged children, many of whom are waiting to receive funding.

“We are pleased to help this green social prescribing, combining equine and the countryside.”