Welcome to Horseback UK
Horseback UK is a charity that has been created to provide a safe, secure environment to aid those serving in the armed forces who have suffered acute stress as a result of active service. Combining equine therapy, nature therapy and adventure training, Horseback provides part of the rehabilitation process for serving personnel and veterans from the UK military.
The Concept
Horseback is a charity founded on 5 core principles:
- To provide an adventure training package that embraces amputation and injury focussing on ability rather than disability.
- To create an environment where those individuals who have completed recovery pathways can directly assist in the recovery process of their comrades.
- To ensure that each injured individual is able to recover in the best and most stimulating environment possible.
- To ensure new skills are learnt during an individuals stay that can be utilised if a medical downgrade lies at the end of a recovery pathway.
- To ensure that an individual can contribute and integrate to the local community and environment as part of a recovery process.
Based on a 30 acre farm, HorseBack is creating an environment where much of the recovery process can be undertaken in a beautiful outdoor setting where an individual is directly coached by staff who have not only recovered from similar wounds but had the same life experiences, critically combat experience.
Horseback staff will work with clients to develop a relationship with, and learn how to care for our specifically chosen and trained American Quarter Horses. These horses; trained in the western style of riding, have been bred as working horses and are required to be strong, calm and to perform every manoeuvre asked of them with minimum demand.
HorseBack will use a holistic approach to mental, physical and social rehabilitation in a challenging outdoor environment which supports individuals who are used to being physically active and self reliant in their personal and professional lives. Our target client group will be able to regain their physical and mental confidence in active rural pursuits, in particular working with horses, combined with familiar routines and personnel to make the recovery process a much more positive experience.
Other skills will be taught in association with the Scottish Agricultural College. Some of these activities will lead to clients developing real skills and qualifications for future employment.
Some family respite can also be provided to allow families to reunite after separation due to injury.
The Experience
The programme will consist of a permanent training team of 5 all of whom will have completed their own recovery pathways.
Clients will utilise the HorseBack facilities whilst still continuing their rehabilitation programmes and courses will be undertaken at points on the recovery pathways that will ensure no interruption in essential activities such as physiotherapy, gym work and trips to Headley Court.
Courses will run for a week and clients will attend a number of courses within a six month period allowing a constant improvement in all aspects over any given rehabilitation period.
As well as the short term courses there will be opportunities for clients to stay for longer periods of on average 2 months.
During the course clients will have the following experiences:
- Intensive horsemanship and western riding
- Introduction to selected rural skills
- Adventure Training Activities
- Comfortable outdoor living
- Integration with the local community
- Re-found confidence and positive outlook on the future
- Skill levels in various new activities
- Overcome functional restrictions
Demand for Horseback
Following the development of the original concept for Horseback, qualitative consultation has been carried out with many organisations. These organisations fall into two groups: those who are concerned with the client group, and those who will support or facilitate the Horseback experience.
We are very grateful to these organisations for their input, advice and pledges of support. Following this consultation, we are satisfied that the proposed model will have application to both serving military personnel, and to veterans, and that there is also a demand from the families of these individuals.
Most importantly, we have now hosted many groups of Royal Marines and had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Horseback experience .
The Business Model
HorseBack plans to set up a commercial side to the charity utilising the facilities, horses and expertise when not in use by military clients. There is an ever growing market for riding/outdoor getaways and western riding in particular is the fastest growing equine sport in the UK at present. It is hoped to offer a similar experience to commercial clients for a long weekend to that being offered to military personnel. There is also an opportunity to provide corporate days for the large organisations in the Oil and Gas Industry within Aberdeen. Both these options will provide a substantial streaming income to the charity.
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