Myself and a number of other Millfield Riding staff are raising money for the charity Greatwood by running an off road half marathon in the Forest of Dean.

Greatwood, a charity started in 1991 is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual re-homing of former racehorses. In 2006 'Greatwood Horsepower' was developed when it became apparent that children with special educational needs benefitted from contact with the horses. The children who are involved in the project have a range of learning difficulties including Autism - ADHD - social, emotional and behavioural difficulties - complex learning difficulties and Down's Syndrome.

'Greatwood Horsepower' is unique and exciting in its approach, combining the needs of ex-racehorses with the complex needs of children with special educational needs.

The programme Millfield Equestrian is involved with provides these children with the opportunity to explore caring for horses, learning about trust, kindness and respect, while at the same time applying the same consideration to learning how to care for themselves and how to develop their own relationships.  Here at Millfield we have seen changes occur in the students that visit us within a very short period of time, they are stronger emotionally and more communicative.

The Headmaster of one of the schools that visit us at Millfield Equestrian said "The course has really worked well. It is all about trust, self-esteem and teamwork. The pupils have worked together, have learnt to trust themselves, each other, their helpers and the horses, and have improved their self-confidence remarkably."

In addition to our work with children, 'Scottie' an ex-racehorse who has been rehabiliated at Greatwood has now relocated to Millfield.  Staff member, Jo Roper, has taken 'Scottie' on as a project horse, with the aim being to continue his schooling and to eventually allocate him to a student as a loan horse.  'Scottie' has settled in well and is proving to be a valuable addition to the Millfield team.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

http://www.racehorsesgreatwood.org/