Inclusive horse riding centre raising funds for all-weather indoor arena
Happy Hooves in Sanquhar hope it'll make their services more accessible
A local horse riding centre dedicated to providing riding lessons and support to disadvantaged and disabled riders is undertaking an ambitious crowdfunding campaign for an all-weather indoor arena.
Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC is a local community interest company, and is aiming to raise £10,000 to go towards a new state of the art facility.
The crowdfunding effort will be topping up funding already secured from sportscotland and The Hollywood Trust, who have each contributed £100,000.
The team at Happy Hooves are confident horses truly can change lives, and are keen to make their services even more accessible through an indoor arena which can be used all year round.
They say they’ve witnessed first hand the positive impact their services can have on mental health, well-being, confidence, and motor skills.
Describing the all-weather indoor arena as a ‘game-changer’, the facility will enable to team to deliver valuable sessions irrespective of weather conditions.
It’s hoped it will create a safe, inclusive, and accessible space to ensure all riders can experience the joy and benefits of equestrian therapy.
Founder and Director of Happy Hooves Laura Wilson said: “We are incredibly grateful to sportscotland and The Holywood Trust for their belief in our mission.
"Now, we embark on the final leg of our journey, with an ambitious goal of raising £10,000 through crowdfunding to complete the project."
The team at Happy Hooves say benefits from the new arena will stretch into the wider community, by creating employment and volunteering opportunities, offering several multi use spaces, and an accessible toilet.
There will also be chances for the community to hire the space for other uses.
With ambitious hopes to have the facility in place by the end of the year, Happy Hooves is offering rewards to supporters making larger pledges.
Anyone donating £100 will be offered for a free riding lesson, and for anyone pledging £500, an exclusive Pony Experience Day will be on offer.
The fundraising page can be found online.