Big boost for riding charity

Buy photos » Sport England grants manager Eve Hawketts, Centaurus Trust founder Nicola Hepburn, Welcombe Hills School student Mehmet and Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi celebrate the award from Sport England at the Trust's new base in Alcester. Picture by Ian Cameron. (s)

A CHARITY, which uses horsemanship to boost the confidence and skills of disabled and disadvantaged youngsters, has a received a £75,000 funding boost to help further its work.

The Centaurus Trust is currently based in Compton Verney near Warwick but has ambitious plans to move to a new home in Alcester. The relocation will help expand the work the charity already provides, helping it to reach even more people.

Sport England has backed the project by awarding £50,000 to help fund an arena at the charity's new base in Cold Comfort Lane while another £25,000 has been given by the Thomas Cook Children's Charity which will help provide more riding lessons.

The Trust was set-up by Stratford resident Nicola Hepburn in 2007. Working with partner Equine Learning CIC, it aims to build the self esteem and confidence of youngsters through activities such as horse riding, sensory work and horse whispering.

It also provides an educational programme for children as young as two to help their personal development.

Nicola said: "The grants will enable us to reach more people who could benefit from the programme. We are hoping to move to Alcester at the end of September.

"Our vision is that we want everyone who comes to Centaurus to unlock their potential through horsemanship activities. Every day, this is what motivates and inspires us.

"We are looking to reach more disadvantaged children and young people with these donations but we are also looking for more funding to help us continue and extend the work we do."

Visit www.centaurustrust.org for more information and to find out how to get involved.

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