NEWC Welcomes New Member

We are delighted to welcome HorseBack UK as a member of the National Equine Welfare Council.

The organisation is a multi-award-winning Scottish charity located just outside Aboyne in the Scottish Highlands that focuses on improving health and well-being by inspiring recovery, fostering positive change, and helping individuals find renewed purpose, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. HorseBack UK also aims to enhance education and employment prospects for these communities.

Through horsemanship, equine-assisted learning, rural skills training, and outdoor activities, HorseBack UK delivers award-winning projects designed to help participants develop new coping strategies, build life skills, and strengthen resilience while earning nationally recognised awards and qualifications.

Founded in 2009 by Jock Hutchison, a former Royal Marine, and Emma Hutchison, a former police officer, HorseBack UK initially focused on supporting veterans dealing with life-changing injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2016, the charity expanded its mission to serve the wider community, including emergency service personnel dealing with PTSD and disengaged young people, offering well-being support and qualifications.

The charity's objectives include facilitating and advancing health and social well-being to improve the quality of life for individuals who:

  • Are serving or have served in the Armed Forces and have been injured, wounded, or are suffering from mental or physical illnesses, including PTSD.
  • Due to their age, ill-health (including mental health), disability, social or financial circumstances, occupation, or other disadvantages, can benefit from the services and facilities provided by the charity.

Activities provided by HorseBack UK include:

  • Personal development through horsemanship skills to improve health, social well-being, confidence, and general interaction, sometimes utilising equine therapy.
  • Education and personal growth through training in rural skills, traditional crafts, and conservation/adventure activities to support rehabilitation, re-settlement, re-training, and employability.

In addition to its Youth Development Programme, HorseBack UK's key initiatives include:

  • The Military Recovery Programme, which supports veterans suffering from life-changing physical and mental injuries.
  • The Live Life Project, managed by the NHS, which assists families of veterans.
  • The Schools Development Programme, designed for disengaged 13-to-16-year-olds referred through schools, who might otherwise face exclusion from education.

HorseBack UK’s commitment to these causes highlights its dedication to making a significant difference in the lives of those facing adversity. Find out more about their work, here.

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