Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC Indoor Arena Project

Aim: Empowering disadvantaged & disabled riders, Happy Hooves aims to build an all-weather arena for equestrian therapy, education, & well-being

Who are we?

We are a dedicated community interest company offering top-notch riding lessons and unwavering support to disadvantaged and disabled riders of all ages. With years of experience and a team of qualified professionals, we believe in the transformative power of equestrian therapy. Our mission is to build an all-weather indoor arena that opens doors to employment, volunteer opportunities, education, and improved health & well-being for young disadvantaged individuals. Join us in creating a brighter future filled with confidence, joy, and growth! Together, we'll ride towards positive change!

Why are we crowdfunding?

At Happy Hooves, we've been making remarkable strides in our journey to build an all-weather indoor arena. Thanks to the incredible support of generous organizations like Sports Scotland and The Holywood Trust, we have successfully secured £100,000 from each! We are immensely grateful for their assistance and heartfelt appreciation goes out to them.

However, to turn our dream into reality, we need a total of £300,000. With £200,000 already in our hands, we're two-thirds of the way towards our goal. We're relentlessly working with other potential funders and brainstorming fundraising ideas to reach the final hurdle. With your help, we can gallop towards the finish line and create a lasting impact in the lives of young disadvantaged individuals through employment, education, and equestrian therapy. Join our crowdfunding efforts and let's make this project a resounding success together!

How we’ll spend the money raised

Your generous contributions to our crowdfunding campaign will be strategically allocated to ensure the successful realization of the all-weather indoor arena project at Happy Hooves. Here's a breakdown of how the funds will be spent:

Arena Construction: The primary focus is on building the state-of-the-art all-weather indoor arena. This will include the construction of a safe, spacious, and accessible space to cater to the needs of disadvantaged and disabled riders.

Facility Upgrades: We plan to enhance the existing facilities to accommodate more participants, such as a café, seating areas, retail space and Changing Space accessible toilet. 

Accessibility & Inclusivity: A portion of the funds will be dedicated to making the arena fully accessible and inclusive for all riders, regardless of their physical abilities.

Training & Education: We will invest in training programs for our staff and volunteers, empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide top-quality riding lessons and therapeutic sessions.

Outreach & Marketing: To expand our reach and impact, we'll allocate funds for marketing strategies and community outreach programs to raise awareness about our services and mission.

Insurance & Safety Measures: Ensuring the safety of our riders and staff is paramount. A portion of the funds will be allocated to comprehensive insurance coverage and implementing safety measures.

Community impact

The impact of having an all-weather indoor arena at Happy Hooves would be far-reaching and transformative for the entire community. Here are some of the significant benefits and positive changes it would bring:

Empowering Disadvantaged Youth: The facility would offer a safe and supportive environment for young disadvantaged individuals, providing them with access to equestrian therapy, which has been shown to improve mental health, confidence, and overall well-being.

Inclusivity & Accessibility: By ensuring the arena is fully accessible and inclusive, it would create opportunities for disabled riders to participate, fostering a sense of belonging and equality within the community.

Employment Opportunities: The expansion of Happy Hooves would lead to the creation of jobs, boosting the local economy and providing employment opportunities for trainers, stable hands, administrative staff, and more.

Volunteer Engagement: The arena would attract volunteers interested in supporting the cause, offering them a chance to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Health & Well-being: Equestrian therapy has been proven to have numerous physical benefits, such as improving motor skills, balance, and coordination, making it an ideal form of therapy for individuals with various challenges.

Educational Benefits: Beyond riding lessons, the facility would be an educational hub, providing workshops and programs that educate riders about horsemanship, animal care, and responsibility.

Community Cohesion: Happy Hooves would become a central hub for community members to come together, fostering connections and friendships among riders, families, volunteers, and staff. The arena will also be available to hire for other sporting events such as dog agility, archery and more.

Promoting Sports & Active Lifestyle: The facility would encourage physical activity and a love for sports among young people, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Positive PR & Reputation: The project would garner positive attention, not only for Happy Hooves but also for the local community, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.

Inspiration & Aspiration: The success of Happy Hooves would serve as an inspiration to other organizations and individuals, encouraging them to initiate similar projects that benefit the community.

In summary, the all-weather indoor arena at Happy Hooves would be a beacon of hope and positive change in the community, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and overall growth. Your support in making this project a reality will leave a lasting impact on the lives of many young individuals, and we're incredibly grateful for your contribution! 

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!