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