Magnolia Cup winner teams up with equine charity in need of funds

Magnolia Cup winner Ashleigh Wicheard has become an ambassador for an under-threat equine therapy charity based in north London.

Strength and Learning Through Horses offers personal development programmes for vulnerable young people but it may have to close its doors unless it is able to raise £150,000 to renovate its new base.

The charity has seen an influx of referrals from young people in crisis since the coronavirus pandemic and has outgrown its current home in Barnet. With the lease on its existing stables ending in December, it has secured a new site but the buildings are currently unsafe to use.

"I would love to help them build on what they've already achieved," said Wicheard, who travels horses for Neil Mulholland and has a background working with young people in a behavioural school.

"I want them to have a good facility so they can continue to support young people and open their eyes to new possibilities. It could also be a great gateway to the racing industry. The sport provides a purpose and I'd imagine a lot of people who use the charity are a bit stuck."

The charity originally hoped to raise the necessary funds by September through its Home Our Horses campaign but still needs donations and is looking for a new trustee from the racing industry. Its work has been backed by celebrities including Clare Balding.

Rosie Bensley, chief executive and education lead, said: "At a time when young people are in need of mental health interventions and educational opportunities that work for them more than ever before, it's vital this service doesn't have to close its doors or one of the most innovative and effective ways of improving the lives of marginalised and excluded people in London will be lost."

Read this next:

'We're incredibly proud' - York raises nearly £500,000 for charity in 2022

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.