BRANSGORE charity the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy has been named as the Charity of the Year for the New Forest Show, which opens tomorrow.
The inspirational charity helps people with a variety of disabilities to learn and develop through specialist involvement with horses.
Young people with learning and mobility difficulties are given the opportunity to learn numeracy, literacy and life skills away from a classroom environment.
Director Jennifer Dixon-Clegg said: “The horses can be seen as an alternative seat of learning and there are numerous transferrable skills including how to live independently.
“We help them gain confidence, form friendships, use public transport and the horses can also help with balance.”
Rosie Morris, 18, said: “I started here last September and I have learned so much from spending time with horses.”
The charity is supported by Clare Balding and champion flat jockey Frankie Dettori.
The New Forest Show will take place from Tuesday, July 30 until August 1 at New Park and president of the New Forest Show Mike Richards said: “It is such a wonderful charity because of the enthusiasm and real love for the young people and horses.”
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