A CHARITY that uses horses to improve the emotional well-being of vulnerable people has been given a cash boost.

Tower House Horses, based in Micheldever Station, has been awarded £5,000 from the CLA Charitable Trust.

It successfully applied for funding in the most recent round of awards.

Its programmes take place outdoors at its facility on the Hampshire Downlands, with each person attending for 12 hours working in small groups with a herd of seven horses, under the guidance of professional facilitators.

The charity, which has helped more than 850 people since its creation in 2011, says horses are unique in their ability to “help people learn about themselves and to acquire the emotional tools and transferable skills to deal with life with confidence”.

The grant will be used to help run several programmes next year, supporting people who may have anxiety and depression, be survivors of domestic abuse or recovering from substance abuse, those in danger of re-offending, and those leaving care.

CEO Susie Little said: “We are so grateful to the CLA Charitable Trust for its generosity.

“Its support means a great deal. The funding will be put to good use in the running of our charity.”

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CLA Charitable Trust is funded almost entirely by subscriptions and donations from members of the CLA, an organisation which represents nearly 30,000 farmers, landowners and rural businesses throughout Hampshire and other areas.

It provides grants to charities and community organisations who share its vision to help connect young people who are disabled or disadvantaged with the countryside and nature.

Bridget Biddell, chairman, said: “The CLA Charitable Trust is so pleased to be able to support the core costs of this important work.

“Tower House Horses provides proven therapy for many people, using their herd of horses in the beautiful Hampshire Downs. This is yet another example of the healing power of nature.”

Since its foundation in 1980, the trust has given £2m in grants to a wide variety of organisations and projects. T

For more information about the CLA and its work, visit cla.org.uk

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