Children’s charity Rockinghorse has pledged its support to Chailey Heritage Foundation, with funding towards specialist therapeutic horse-riding services.
The programme, known as hippotherapy, uses horse riding as a therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment. It is used to help improve coordination, balance, and strength, using the movement of the horse as physiotherapy.
Chailey Heritage Foundation
Chailey Heritage Foundation is a pioneering charity dedicated to enriching the lives of young people with complex physical disabilities and health needs.Services they provide, include; a special school, residential facilities for children and young adults, transitioning services, and a therapeutic care farm incorporating hippotherapy.
Rockinghorse is a keen supporter of Chailey Heritage and in 2017, donated £50,000 for the Foundation’s brand new D.R.E.A.M. Centre; a multi-million-pound all-weather sports, drama and activity space, which is due to open later this year.
Therapeutic horse riding has been provided at Chailey Heritage Foundation for over 30 years. Currently, 26 young people from the school ride regularly with many more who are keen to start. Sessions are in high demand and with additional funding from Rockinghorse, hippotherapy will be offered to more pupils.
Ryan Heal, Chief Executive of Rockinghorse, says, “Our funding will mean that extra horse-riding sessions can be provided to young people, and on a more regular basis. We have always been a big supporter of Chailey Heritage Foundation and the work they do for the Sussex community. It is so important for young people and their families to be able to access vital services like this.”
Sally-Anne Murray, Development Director at Chailey Heritage Foundation, adds, “Hippotherapy is a fun and educational activity, integrating physical movement and sensory therapy into a young person’s day in such a unique way. Riding is incorporated into the school curriculum, and each child who rides has specific therapeutic targets.
“We rely on voluntary donations to support the riding service and we are incredibly grateful to Rockinghorse for supporting us in this way, as it means that we will be able to continue to offer horse riding to more children.”
Funding from Rockinghorse will contribute to hippotherapy services provided at Chailey Heritage Foundation during the next academic year, starting in September.
To find out more about the project and how you can support it, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.
