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Since the release of

Since the release of the book "Free Rein" a couple of weeks ago we have received some amazing feedback. Let us know your thoughts on the book. Here are some of the comments from various publications.

โ€˜[an] honest, humorous autobiographyโ€™ Country Life Magazine

โ€˜A powerful story of failure and second chances.โ€™ - The Sun

โ€˜Truly inspiringโ€™

โ€˜I must confess that I lost myself in the pages. Hutchison's
moving explanation of why these huge but perceptive and gentle
animals connect with mentally and physically damaged humans
on such a visceral level was profoundly moving.โ€™

โ€˜Even the most devoutly unhorsey souls will be converted by Free
Rein.โ€™ - Scottish Field
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2 weeks ago

๐Ÿ‘€ This week brings the start of a new Youth Development Programme in partnership with The King's Trust, which will see our youngsters grow in confidence as they learn new skills to prepare them for the world of work. The horses will of course be part of this journey, as their learning partners. Follow their story here as they continue over the next 12 weeks on this life changing course. ๐Ÿ™Œ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ

Aboyne Local Ballater & Crathie Community Group Banchory Rocks Logie ColdstoneAboyne Paths and TracksAlford Valley Community Railway@
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3 weeks ago
๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ FREE REIN I

๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ FREE REIN IS OFF AND RUNNING! ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ“š

The response to Jock Hutchisonโ€™s Free Rein has been fantastic, and it sounds like copies are literally flying out! ๐Ÿ™Œ

Weโ€™ve already had loads of messages from readers whoโ€™ve received their books, with some brilliant photos coming in of you proudly showing off your copy! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ‘

Others have told us their copy is on its way, while plenty more are planning to head out this weekend to grab theirs. ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ“–

And now we want to see YOU! ๐Ÿ‘€

Have you got your copy of Free Rein?

๐Ÿ“ธ Take a photo with your book
๐Ÿด Share it with us
๐Ÿ“ฒ Tag HorseBack UK

Letโ€™s see how far Free Rein is travelling!

Keep those photos coming, we LOVE seeing them! โค๏ธ

#FreeRein #JockHutchison #HorseBackUK #BookLaunch #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLovers #ScottishStories #Horses #GetYourCopy #FreeReinBook
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4 weeks ago

๐Ÿ“– ๐ŸŽ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ The day has finally arrived!

Today marks the official launch of Free Rein, the incredible book by Jock Hutchison, co-founder of HorseBack UK.

From horses and adventure to the experiences, challenges and people that have shaped his remarkable journey and attended the charity, Free Rein is a story that deserves to be shared.

And thereโ€™s moreโ€ฆ ๐ŸŽง

The audiobook is narrated by the famous and hugely talented Scottish actor David Rintoul, bringing Jockโ€™s story to life in an entirely different way.

๐Ÿ“š Available now in all good bookshops and on Amazon

๐ŸŽง Also available as an audiobook

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your copy of Free Rein today and join Jock on the ride of a lifetime! ๐Ÿด๐ŸŒฟ

#FreeRein #JockHutchison #HorseBackUK #BookLaunch #ScottishStories #Audiobook #DavidRintoul #Horses #Adventure #Inspiration #GetYourCopy
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1 month ago

โš“๐Ÿด ROYAL NAVY FAMILIES WEEK AT HORSEBACK UK ๐Ÿดโš“

What a brilliant week we had last week welcoming Royal Navy families to HorseBack UK for five days packed with fun, adventure, learning and, most importantly, time together as families.
Throughout the week, everyone got stuck into a huge range of activities. There was horsemanship and horse riding, learning how to communicate with and build confidence around our horses, alongside archery, bushcraft and shelter building, science experiments and rockets with the wonderfully eccentric Prof. Giblets, rock painting, farm chores and a very competitive sports afternoon!
We also headed away from the centre for trips to Ballater and Burn Oโ€™Vat, giving families the chance to explore some of the fantastic countryside and communities surrounding HorseBack UK.
There was plenty of laughter, a few challenges, new skills learned and some fantastic teamwork along the way. From riding a horse and hitting an archery target to launching rockets, building shelters, kicking footballs and bouncing around on space hoppers, there was rarely a quiet moment!
But behind all the activities was something much more important.
Military family life brings its own unique challenges. Weeks like this provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, meet others who understand military life, try something new and simply enjoy being a family.
We finished the week with a visit to favourite horses and animals, presentations and awards celebrating everything the children and families had achieved.
A huge BZ (Bravo Zulu) to all our Royal Navy families who joined us. You threw yourselves into everything with enthusiasm, humour and a fantastic sense of adventure.
And, of course, a massive thank you to the HorseBack UK team and everyone who helped make the week possible.

โš“ Royal Navy Families + HorseBack UK = one very special week. ๐Ÿด

Fun โ€ข Friendship โ€ข Adventure โ€ข Family Time โ€ข Memories

#HorseBackUK #RoyalNavy #RoyalNavyFamilies #MilitaryFamilies #ArmedForcesCommunity #FamilyTime #Horsemanship #EquineAssistedServices #Wellbeing #Adventure #Teamwork #Resilience
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1 month ago

๐Ÿ‘€ 10 days to go, pre order your copy here

amzn.eu/d/09kuOdAv
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1 month ago
Yesterday HorseBack

Yesterday HorseBack UK was in The Telegraph (online). Today we have gone old school and have made it into the actual Daily Telegraph newspaper .
We are so excited about the response to Jockโ€™s upcoming book Free Rein (available on Amazon) and thank everyone for their kind and supportive comments.
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1 month ago
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A fantastic military family course last week at Horseback UK โ˜€๏ธ

#horseback #military #family#scotland #horses
๐ŸŒŸ Exciting News from HorseBack! ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ‘€ Over the past few months, weโ€™ve received so many enquiries asking whether members of the public can take part in our wellbeing programmesโ€ฆ

And weโ€™re delighted to say that the answer is now YES! ๐ŸŽ‰

Over the coming weeks, weโ€™ll be sharing more information about how you can get involved, but today weโ€™re excited to introduce our Online Equine Assisted Learning & Wellbeing Programme.

๐ŸŽ ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“ โ€œEquine assisted learning online?โ€
We knowโ€ฆa few years ago we would have thought the same! But during Covid, we adapted our programmes to continue supporting people safely and effectively from a distance. We worked closely with NHS staff during some of their most vulnerable moments, and the programme has continued to make a real impact ever since.

โœจ Whatโ€™s included?
โ€ข 8 group Zoom sessions
โ€ข Around 1 hour each
โ€ข Guided HorseBack learning principles
โ€ข Videos of our horses to help explain key concepts and wellbeing techniques

If youโ€™d like to find out more about dates and costs, weโ€™d love to hear from you.

๐Ÿ“ง Email: info@horseback.org.uk

๐Ÿ“ž Phone: 013398 80487

#Wellbeing #EquineAssistedLearning #MentalHealthSupport #HorseBack #OnlineWellbeing PersonalGrowth EquineTherapy
Can it stop ๐Ÿคฌraining please? So many jobs to do. โ˜”๏ธ ๐Ÿ™ ๐ŸŽ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง
Some wounds canโ€™t be seen โ€” but they can be healed. ๐ŸŽโœจ

At HorseBack UK, we witness it every day: the quiet power of horses helping people rebuild, reconnect, and move forward after physical or mental injury.

Our new documentary, now live via the link ๐Ÿ”— in our bio, explores these deeply human stories and the extraordinary role horses play in recovery, resilience, and hope.

Watch the film. Feel the connection. Share the journey.
๐ŸŽฅ ๐ŸŽ 

#HorseBackUK #HealingThroughHorses #EquineAssistedServices #InvisibleWounds #Recovery Resilience Hope
In the quiet hills of Aboyne, The Highlands of Scotland, something extraordinary is happening. Through the gentle power of horses, lives shaped by trauma are finding a new way forward. (๐Ÿ”— Click the link in the bio to watch the full film)

The Healing Power of Horses is a cinematic short documentary that steps inside the world of HorseBack UK, a pioneering charity using equine-assisted therapy to help military veterans, emergency service personnel, and young people rebuild confidence, trust, and resilience.

Filmed with an intimate, fly-on-the-wall approach, this film captures raw, unscripted moments where healing begins โ€” not through words, but through connection. Between human and horse. Between past and possibility.

Inside the film:

โ€ข The Kingโ€™s Trust Youth Development Programme โ€“ empowering young people with personal growth, employability skills, and recognised qualifications

โ€ข Veterans Residential Course โ€“ supporting former service personnel living with PTSD as they reconnect, rediscover purpose, and rebuild life after service

Funded by the Sir Peter Oโ€™Sullevan Charitable Trust, the documentary draws a powerful parallel between veterans redefining life beyond the uniform and racehorses finding purpose beyond the track โ€” a shared journey of rehabilitation, dignity, and hope.

This is not just a film about horses.

Itโ€™s a story about healing, identity, and second chances.

About slowing down, listening, and discovering strength where you least expect it.

If you believe in the power of compassion, connection, and meaningful storytelling, this film is for you. 
#horsebackuk #youthdevelopment #fyp
๐ŸŒŸ Today we meet Georgia Auld, our Yard Assistant here at the centre. In her own words she tells us how she came to HorseBack UK as part of our accredited Schools Personal Development Programme, then as work experience, and now working here full time with us as part of the teamโ€ฆ
๐ŸŽ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ
Happy New Year from HorseBack UK!๐ŸŒŸ

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 workshopโ€™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, weโ€™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, letโ€™s continue to champion the transformative power of equine-assisted services and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Hereโ€™s to a bright New Year filled with hope, healing, and the magic of horses! ๐ŸŽ 

#HappyNewYear #HorseBackUK #EquineAssistedServices #HealingWithHorses #CommunityImpact #2025Vision
โ€ผ๏ธ Please Help And Please Share

We need all your help urgently! 

๐ŸŒŸ Support HorseBack UK: Vote for Mental Health and Wellbeing! ๐ŸŒŸ

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: 
โ€ผ๏ธ AB34 5LD โ€ผ๏ธ 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. ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™‚๏ธ

#HorseBackUK #MentalHealthMatters #VoteForWellbeing #Aberdeenshire #Community Aboyne Local
๐ŸŒจ๏ธโ„๏ธ ๐Ÿฅถ Brrr! Itโ€™s a chilly -5ยฐC today at HorseBack UK, but that hasnโ€™t stopped the incredible Banchory Academy Schools Development Group from shining bright! ๐ŸŒŸ

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. 

๐Ÿดโค๏ธ๐Ÿ‘‰ Please like and share to spread the love! 

#HorseBackUK #BanchoryAcademy #EquineLearning #teamwork
News Flash! โš ๏ธ 

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
Weโ€™re delighted to announce a partnership with @thebeastukofficial (formerly โ€œUK 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! Weโ€™re incredibly proud to be partnered with them for their tour next year. 

The Beast UK are pledging ยฃ1 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 theyโ€™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
Take a look at this conversation between Jock and William! 

As we rode, we delved into the importance of camaraderie and unity among the alliesโ€”French, Brits, and Americansโ€”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.

Itโ€™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 โ€˜drinky pooโ€™ 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. Weโ€™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
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. ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ 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. โ€˜Thereโ€™s no better place to be with the last remaining members of the Greatest Generation that fought for the freedom of the world,โ€™ 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 familyโ€™s presence enriches this commemoration. Itโ€™s a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of those who serve and the families who stand by them. ๐ŸŒโœจ

Weโ€™re deeply grateful for the chance to connect and share stories of courage, legacy, and the unbreakable bonds of family. #DDay80 #normandy #VeteranSupport #HonorAndRemember
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. ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŒ…

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 weโ€™re dedicated to helping them transition smoothly.

Itโ€™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, weโ€™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
Today, we mark 80 years since D-Day, the monumental day that shifted the tide of World War II. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ 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 inโ€”a future where liberty prevails over oppression. Their heroism not only liberated Europe but also shaped the peaceful world we cherish today.

Letโ€™s honor and remember every valiant heart. Their legacy of bravery continues to inspire generations. We will never forget. ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ #DDay80 #NeverForget #Freedom #DDAY80 #HBUKDDAY80

We do not rely on government funding so any donations will greatly assist with the running of our charity.