Happy New Year from HorseBack UK!🌟
As we step into 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the impactful journey we took together and take a moment to reflect on last year. 2024 saw the charity transform lives through our equine-assisted services and mindfulness activity based wellbeing courses. Our programmes, courses and workshop’s reached individuals of all ages, from veterans finding healing and respite through our horses to young people discovering confidence and resilience.
In 2024, we proudly served over 300 participants, engaging them in equine assisted learning sessions, emotional support through one to one and group interactions, and wellbeing based courses to deal with, manage and reduce stress and anxiety. Each connection made with our incredible horses has empowered individuals to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities heading for a better, healthier future.
With the support of our charity partners, our volunteers, our dedicated staff and YOU, we’ve witnessed profound changes and inspiring stories. Whether it was through our community outreach initiatives or tailored programmes for those facing mental health struggles; the bond between humans and horses proved to be a source of strength and healing.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to expand our offerings, introducing new workshops, new courses, and collaborations, focused on wellness and personal growth. Together, let’s continue to champion the transformative power of equine-assisted services and make a lasting impact.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to a bright New Year filled with hope, healing, and the magic of horses! 🐎
#HappyNewYear #HorseBackUK #EquineAssistedServices #HealingWithHorses #CommunityImpact #2025Vision
Jan 1
‼️ Please Help And Please Share
We need all your help urgently!
🌟 Support HorseBack UK: Vote for Mental Health and Wellbeing! 🌟
From 29th November to 16th December 2024, please vote for HorseBack UK in the Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
Please use your own Aberdeenshire postcode or if you do not have one use:
‼️ AB34 5LD ‼️ and cast your vote here:
www.avashire.org.uk/cmhwfundvote
This funding will allow us to support up to 90 local adults struggling with social and rural isolation, neurodiversity, anxiety, and more. Our weekly sessions in Aboyne create a safe space for participants to connect, share experiences, and build trusted relationships.
With the guidance of our qualified staff, participants will engage in life-enhancing activities like equine-assisted learning, archery, yoga, breathwork, bushcraft, and team-building exercises.
Join us in making a difference in our community! Your vote can help improve wellbeing and provide vital support to those in need. 💚🧘♂️
#HorseBackUK #MentalHealthMatters #VoteForWellbeing #Aberdeenshire #Community Aboyne Local
Dec 4
🌨️❄️ 🥶 Brrr! It’s a chilly -5°C today at HorseBack UK, but that hasn’t stopped the incredible Banchory Academy Schools Development Group from shining bright! 🌟
The team is showing off their skills and building bonds with some of our 42 beautiful horses at the accredited learning centre. With the farrier by our side, everyone is learning about teamwork and equine-assisted learning in such a fun way! Despite the cold, the warmth of teamwork and learning brings joy to us all.
🐴❤️👉 Please like and share to spread the love!
#HorseBackUK #BanchoryAcademy #EquineLearning #teamwork
Dec 3
News Flash! ⚠️
We are extremely honoured and thrilled to announce that HorseBack UK has won the Armed Forces Employee Recognition Gold Award, for our unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces Community!
Here is our amazing Programme Lead, Richard Taff Teague, proudly accepting the award at the The Black Watch Castle & Museum last night. A fantastic night was had, and a very proud moment for us as a charity that has helped so many serving military personnel and military veterans over the past 15 years. Thank you to everyone who supports us!
@highlandrfca
#HorsebackUK #GoldERS24 #EmployeeRecognitionSheme #ArmedForces #FundraisingSuccess #ProudMoment #YouthDevelopment
Nov 15
We’re delighted to announce a partnership with @thebeastukofficial (formerly “UK Maiden Experience) a brand new Iron Maiden tribute show who are touring UK theatres next year!
These guys are preparing an incredible show for 2025 with stage show, pyrotechnics and more! We’re incredibly proud to be partnered with them for their tour next year.
The Beast UK are pledging £1 of every ticket sold to our charity! They have an estimated 10,000 tickets for sale!
TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED - Wednesday 13th November
ON SALE - Saturday 16th November!!
Stay tuned for more from ourselves and The Beast UK, as they’re traveling up in December to take part in some horse related actives and even playing a few songs up here!
Be sure to get your tickets!
Visit them at @thebeastukofficial or www.thebeastuk.co.uk
Oct 30
We’re back! Swipe to see a small collection of photos from our recent visit to Normandy. From the historic Pegasus Bridge to the solemn fields of Juno Beach, each location holds a story of bravery and sacrifice. 🌍
Stay tuned as we share more behind-the-scenes insights and reflections that we didn’t capture live. This journey has been one of profound remembrance and renewed commitment. #DDay80 #Normandy2024 #HBUKDDayRide
Jun 12
Take a look at this conversation between Jock and William!
As we rode, we delved into the importance of camaraderie and unity among the allies—French, Brits, and Americans—whose bonds were forged in the fires of WWII and remain essential today. Our conversation was a powerful reminder that the freedom we cherish is a result of enduring partnerships and shared sacrifices.
It’s vital we preserve these memories and continue to share the stories of those who fought for our liberty. As we enjoyed a moment of light-heartedness with a ‘drinky poo’ in our bell forts, we reaffirmed our commitment to stay united in honour and remembrance.
Thank you, William, for the camaraderie on this ride and the ongoing mission to keep history alive. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey together in September.
Share in the comments anything you want us to answer, wed love to chat with you
#DDay80 #Normandy2024 #AlliedUnity #FreedomRide #HBUKDday80
Jun 6
Yesterday took us to Grandcamp-Maisy, just 2.4km from Pointe Du Hoc on the historic Omaha Beach, where the 2nd and 5th U.S. Rangers bravely fought to dismantle the Maisy Gun Emplacement Batteries. 🎖️ Amidst this profound backdrop, we had the unexpected honor of meeting Brigadier General Jonathan P. Braga, Commander of Special Operations Command, Pacific, along with his wonderful family.
The Brigadier General shared poignant reflections on the significance of being here for the 80th D-Day anniversary. ‘There’s no better place to be with the last remaining members of the Greatest Generation that fought for the freedom of the world,’ he expressed, emphasizing the importance of family support in both military and civilian life.
Swipe to see moments from our meeting and hear more about how their family’s presence enriches this commemoration. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of those who serve and the families who stand by them. 🌍✨
We’re deeply grateful for the chance to connect and share stories of courage, legacy, and the unbreakable bonds of family. #DDay80 #normandy #VeteranSupport #HonorAndRemember
Jun 6
Early risers today as we headed to the iconic Deauville Racecourse for a meaningful meet-up with Aaron Gryder, former American Champion Jockey and VP at 1/ST Racing, one of our proud sponsors. 🐎🌅
Aaron and our own Jock delved into a topic close to our hearts: finding new purpose for former racehorses. These majestic animals, much like veterans, seek a second chapter after their first careers end, and we’re dedicated to helping them transition smoothly.
It’s partnerships like these with 1/ST Racing and support from organizations like EIF-Equine Immersion Foundation and Racing To Relate that amplify our efforts and impact. Together, we’re creating pathways that honor and repurpose the strength and spirit of these incredible horses.
Stay tuned as we explore more ways to make a difference. DDay80 #neverforget #hbukdday80
Jun 6
Today, we mark 80 years since D-Day, the monumental day that shifted the tide of World War II. 🌊🕊️ On June 6th, 1944, thousands of brave souls from the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, braving the frontline of fire to reclaim freedom from tyranny.
As HBUK reflect on the immense courage and profound sacrifices of those who fought for a future they believed in—a future where liberty prevails over oppression. Their heroism not only liberated Europe but also shaped the peaceful world we cherish today.
Let’s honor and remember every valiant heart. Their legacy of bravery continues to inspire generations. We will never forget. 🎖️ #DDay80 #NeverForget #Freedom #DDAY80 #HBUKDDAY80
Jun 6
Last night we stood in the quiet early hours, we witness the stirring commemorations of the Pegasus Bridge assault, exactly 80 years ago to the minute. 🌉 #DDay80
Pegasus Bridge, initially named Bénouville Bridge, was a critical early battleground during the D-Day operations. In a daring mission that marked one of the first ground actions of D-Day, 180 troops of the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, led by Major John Howard, skillfully captured these strategic points. Their incredible precision allowed them to land in Horsa gliders mere meters from their objectives, securing both bridges in under ten minutes.
The scene today is electric, with fireworks illuminating the sky, mirroring the explosive history of this site as thousands gather to honor the bravery that turned the tides of war. Brigadier Lord Lovat’s commandos, famously led ashore to the sounds of Bill Millin’s bagpipes against all orders, reinforced the critical eastern flank, leaving a legacy of bold defiance and Scottish pride.
Join us in reflecting on this pivotal moment in history, celebrating the fearless spirit of those who fought for freedom. 🎖️🎶 #paratrooper #commando #fypシ #PegasusBridge #DDay80 #DDay #HBUKDday80 #Dday80
Jun 6
Today, here from jock as they stand solemnly at the British War Memorial in Normandy, a sacred site that echoes the sacrifices made 80 years ago. As HBUK walked among the silhouettes representing fallen soldiers and read the plaques dedicated by their loved ones, the weight of their sacrifices felt all the more real.
These young heroes, aged 19, 21, 22, left a legacy of freedom forged in the harrowing sands of these beaches. This memorial, with names etched on every pillar, serves as a stark reminder of the price paid for our liberty.
We urge you to visit, to bring your children, and to teach them about the tremendous cost of peace. Let them learn about the unsung battlefields, the countless lives lost beyond what history books capture.
This is more than history; it’s a pilgrimage to honor all who gave everything for us to live freely. If this place doesn’t move you, nothing will.
Fly past rehearsals are underway for tomorrow’s D-Day 80 commemorations. Let’s remember, reflect, and educate.
#DDay80 #Normandy2024 #BritishWarMemorial #NeverForget #HBUKDDAY80 #RememberanceRide
Jun 5
Today, the eve of the 80th D-Day anniversary, Team HBUK paid a heartfelt visit to the British memorial in Normandy. As we stand in reflection and gratitude, we are reminded of the tremendous sacrifices made for freedom. This solemn visit amplifies our commitment to honouring those who served and continue to serve.
Want to support our mission? You can help us continue our work by donating through our JustGiving link (find it in our bio). Every contribution enables us to further our efforts in education, remembrance, and support for veterans and their families, as well as our horses back home at HBUK HQ.
Swipe through to see moments from today’s visit and join us in keeping the legacy of bravery and resilience alive. Together, we ensure that the stories of heroism are never forgotten.
#HBUKDDayRide #NeverForget #Dday80 #SupportHBUK
Jun 5
Recently, we had the chance to catch up with @aidanrbutler , an integral part of the racing community in America, at a significant location filled with history. 🐎🌿 Aiden, who couldn’t join our ride due to prior commitments, is passionate about horse aftercare and retraining, echoing our values at HBUK.
Aidan shared his enthusiasm for returning in September to further support our cause. He advocates strongly for the therapeutic power of horses, particularly in their second careers, which parallels the transitions of the veterans we honor and support. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
Take a look to hear more about Aiden’s work with two major and three smaller race tracks in the U.S., and why he believes in the unmatched combination of retired racehorses and veterans. It’s all about remembrance, community healing, and harnessing the profound impact horses have on us.
Let’s continue making a difference, ensuring that neither our military community nor these majestic creatures are forgotten. 🕊️💪 #HBUKDDayRide #HorsePower #Veterans #HorseAftercare #NeverForget #DDAy80 #remembrance #HBUKDday80
Jun 5
Today’s highlight was our visit to the historic Pegasus Bridge, a site steeped in valour and memory. 🌉 We had the privilege of meeting Bruce Compton, the vibrant force behind Discovery Channel’s ‘Combat Dealers and the ‘Amazing War Stories’ podcast. A passionate military enthusiast and philanthropist, Bruce, a former paratrooper and one of Britain’s leading collectors of military antiques, shared incredible insights during our heart-to-heart by the Caen Canal. 🎖️
Bruce’s dedication to preserving the legacy of veterans and our shared heritage resonates deeply with our mission at HBUK. His enthusiasm for military history and its conservation sparked a compelling discussion on the importance of honouring our past. 🕊️
Take a look at our reel from our engaging chat and the picturesque setting of our meeting. We’re inspired and motivated to continue our work with even more passion. #DDay80 #hbukddayride #CombatDealers #PegasusBridge #militaryhistory #horses #fyp
Jun 4
Yesterday, Team HBUK saddled up for a memorable ride to Kite R Beach, passing through historical landmarks that resonate with stories of bravery and sacrifice.🌊
Equipped with helmets and boots, we set off on a path steeped in history. Swipe to catch glimpses from our ride and feel the echoes of the past beneath our hooves. As we traverse these significant grounds, we honor and carry forward the legacy of those who fought for freedom.
#HBUKDDayRide #Normandy2024 #DDay80thAnniversary #RidingThroughHistory
Jun 4
The beauty of Spring ☀️ Happy Easter Everyone 🐣 ... See MoreSee Less
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🐎 A busy week was had introducing our 6th Youth Development Programme attendees to the horses.
All nine are doing extremely well as they head into week 3 of their 12 week course, which is designed to build self confidence, increase self esteem, introduce teamwork skills, work experience, personal development, community projects, conservation tasks and prepare for the world of work in partnership with the The King's Trust.
Well done all, the journey continues! ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Mothers Day from our HorseBack mothers ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Friday from HorseBack UK! 🐴
As we wrap up this week’s transformative wellbeing course, we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible participants! It has been a week filled with self-discovery, growth, and connection for our local community.
Throughout the course, attendees have learned valuable techniques for managing stress and anxiety, all while building confidence and self-esteem. We've witnessed heartfelt moments as participants found their voices, forged new friendships, and gained insights into how emotions impact our behaviors.
Our wonderful horses have played a vital role in this experience. Their gentle presence and intuitive nature allow participants to explore their feelings and learn powerful life skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Working with these magnificent beings on the ground has opened doors to deeper self-awareness and emotional understanding.
We are so proud of everyone who took this step toward a rewarding future! The progress made this week is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see how these newfound skills will continue to enhance their mental wellbeing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey! Together, we are creating a supportive community focused on healing and personal growth. Remember, it’s never too late to start a new chapter!
Stay tuned for more upcoming courses.
For more information, visit
www.horseback.org.uk
or contact us on 013398 80487.
Have a fantastic week everyone! 😊 ☀️ 🏴 🐎
Aboyne Local Logie Coldstone Ballater & Crathie Community Group Banchory Rocks
#wellbeing #personalgrowth #skills ... See MoreSee Less
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Learning, laughter, new skills, horses and lots of fun!
Last week saw Banchory Academy on their Schools Development Programme. This was their final phase of their Scottish Qualifications Authority Level 4 in Personal Development Through Horsemanship.
Again, we are so very proud of our youngsters from our local Academies, who come up every year to attain their qualification with us.
They acquire so many skills here at the centre, and learn about team building, leadership, stress and anxiety management, resilience, effective communication, motivation and attaining goals whilst in the company of their learning partners, the horses.
Well done everyone. We are all so very proud of you 😊 🐎 ... See MoreSee Less
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During the recent annual 16 Air Defence 30/HQ Bty reunion, £580 was raised for Horseback UK. This incredible achievement reflects the unwavering support of our military and veteran community here at the charity, by the veteran community themselves.
However, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of a tragic event. The day after the reunion, one of the members suffered a fall and tragically passed away from a heart attack on the way to the hospital. Anne Spence was the wife of an HQ Bty member. Anne had always been a passionate supporter of HorseBack UK and our mission, often contributing donations to Ian Wren formerly our Local Fundraiser, who is also former HQ Bty himself.
We would like to take a moment to honour Anne and her unwavering support over the years.
Our thoughts, sympathies and sincere condolences go out to Anne’s family at this sad time. ... See MoreSee Less
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The Importance of Cross-sector Learning ‼️
Today HorseBack UK has had the incredible opportunity to deliver the final session of three motivational talks on teams and leadership to Vestas, a global leader in renewable energy. Vestas is known for their innovation in wind energy solutions, driving the future towards sustainability!
During the engaging sessions, the talks explored the essence of high-performing teams. The insights shared emphasised the importance of collaboration, resilience, and personal growth in achieving outstanding results.
With the guidance of Jock and Jay from HorseBack UK, Vestas team members are discovering how to strengthen their bonds, enhance communication, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Together, we're creating a brighter, more sustainable future through empowered and cohesive teamwork.
Thank you, Vestas, for welcoming us into your journey! 🌱 💪
#horsebackuk #vestas #leadership #Teamwork #renewableenergy #personalgrowth ... See MoreSee Less
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Would you like to find out more? ‼️
Join us at our stand tomorrow, Tuesday 18th March, at Aboyne Coop between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to discover the exciting opportunities available through our Youth Development Programme in partnership with the Kings Trust.
This is for 16-25 year olds in the Aberdeenshire area. Concentrating on employability and personal development, this is the ideal course for next steps into the world of work and self growth. The programme delivers an SQA Level 3 in Personal Development Employability Skills, a Level 4 in Personal Development, the John Muir Discovery Award in conservation and CBT stress and anxiety management training.
We will also be at Alford Coop between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Thursday 20th March.
We are passionate about empowering young people through horsemanship and outdoor activities, and we’d love to share more with you.
A huge thank you to the manager and staff at Coop Aboyne and Alford for their continual support.
See you there! ☀️ 😊
Aboyne Local Logie Coldstone Ballater & Crathie Community Group Alford Valley Community Railway Alford & District Men's Shed Andrew Bowie MP ... See MoreSee Less
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