Stonehouse group Hooves and Paws awarded charitable status

Jan 14 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Stonehouse-based Hooves and Paws User Group or H-PUG have just been awarded charitable status.

The charity was set up in December last year by clients of Hooves and Paws Equestrian Learning Centre.

The centre has been providing services to the local community, councils, individuals, groups and clubs over a number of years to support people with additional support needs, of any age.

The benefits of horses and riding have been well-documented and, for those with support needs, can be life-changing.

Some of these groups need funding if they are to continue using the centre’s services.

A spokesman from the H-PUG team said: “We are applying for funding but are reliant on donations which in turn will benefit people wishing to access and have continuity of the services of Hooves and Paws.”

During the last five years Hooves and Paws has developed into a valuable resource for the community.

He added: “It provides a safe therapeutic learning environment where young people can grow, heal, develop and enjoy new skills.

“If the student responds to the environment they develop a new awareness and a window of opportunity to gain attainable qualifications, improve social skills, increase problem-solving abilities, improve trust, relationships, team-building and concentration.”

For more information e-mail: hoovesandpawsusersgroup@yahoo.co.uk or visit: www.hooves-and-paws.org and go to the charity page (No.SC041059) or call 01698 791 554.