Personal Development through horsemanship
HorseBack UK inspires positive change, encourages confidence and self-esteem, and promotes recovery in an individual. Using horsemanship and outdoor activities, we deliver nationally accredited personal development and wellbeing programmes which offer our participants new coping strategies, life skills and the tools to build resilience.
HorseBack UK is a charity set up to empower service personnel and veterans suffering from life-changing injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and to aid them on their road to recovery.
The success of the first five years of courses for military personnel has allowed HorseBack UK to extend its remit and is now able to focus on the wider community.
Teenagers participate in a 15-day SQA Level 4 Certificate in Personal Development Through Horsemanship.
Over the past three years HorseBack UK has established a unique leadership and team building experience.
In the late summer of 2020 whilst chaos and fear reigned due to the COVID 19 pandemic Jock wanted to help those who had specifically been affected by it within the NHS and Care Home Systems.
We deliver the Team Programme, a twelve week course for young people between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five.
Our Patron
"I am delighted to be Patron of HorseBack UK, whose work clearly demonstrates the extraordinary physical, emotional and mental support that horses can offer to us all."
Our Supporting Partners
This morning, our Course Director Jason Hare had the privilege of speaking at Aboyne Academy’s Leaver Ceremony, and what a moment it was.
With honesty, humour, and personal insight, Jason shared his own journey one that hasn’t been straightforward, but one defined by resilience, teamwork, and determination. From feeling disengaged at school, to serving in the Royal Marines, to overcoming life-changing injuries, his message was clear: it’s not the setbacks that define you, it’s how you choose to move forward.
There were powerful moments of reflection, laughter, and even a few tears, especially as pupils took part, recognising each other and showing appreciation for the teachers and support staff who helped shape their journey.
Jay reminded pupils that:
✨ You are stronger together
✨ Setbacks are part of growth
✨ Kindness,to others and yourself matters
✨ Your mindset is your greatest strength
And perhaps most importantly… this isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.
To all the leavers of Aboyne Academy: be proud of how far you’ve come. Keep pushing forward, keep supporting one another, and never underestimate what you’re capable of.
We wish you all the very best of luck for the future, your journey is just beginning.
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There’s something truly special about life here at HorseBack UK… and it’s not just our wonderful horses 🐎
Our centre is full of character, from our loyal dogs and curious cats to our sheep, hens, and yes… our three rather naughty cockerels who like to keep us on our toes! 🐓
But beyond the farmyard, we’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the breathtaking wildlife of Scotland. Today, we were treated to the sight of a majestic Red Kite soaring overhead, a powerful reminder of the natural beauty that makes this place so unique.
It’s no surprise that those attending our courses find something truly special here. Space to breathe, to reflect, and to reconnect with nature, with others, and with themselves.
#HorseBackUK #ScottishWildlife #RedKite #NatureHeals #LifeAtHorseBack #RuralLife #MentalHealthMatters ... See MoreSee Less
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There’s something special about the journey up the drive to the HorseBack UK Centre.
You can almost feel the shift begin before a single word is spoken. Cars arrive carrying more than just people they bring stories, pressure, fatigue, and the quiet weight of everything life has piled on. For many of our attendees, that first step out of the car is filled with uncertainty, even anxiety. Shoulders tight. Minds racing. Hearts guarded.
But then… something changes.
Maybe it’s the stillness of the landscape. Maybe it’s the gentle presence of the horses. Or maybe it’s the first deep breath they’ve taken in a long time.
Over the course of their time here, barriers begin to soften. The horses don’t judge, don’t rush, don’t expect, they simply respond, honestly and instinctively. In that space, people start to reconnect with themselves. Confidence grows. Tension eases. Perspective returns.
By the time they leave, it’s often hard to believe they’re the same person who arrived.
Smiles replace worry. Laughter comes more easily. There’s a lightness in their step, a calmness in their mind, and a renewed sense of capability and purpose.
It’s not just a course. It’s a reset. A reminder of strength. A chance to let go, even just for a while.
And it all starts with that drive.
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