Special Horses for Special Children closes due to lack of funding (From This is The West Country)

Special Horses for Special Children closes due to lack of funding

3:07pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Somerset

A LAST-DITCH financial effort to save a centre which offers equine therapy to children with autism and emotional and behavioural problems has failed.

The News reported last week that Special Horses for Special Children, based at Scrapton Farm in Wadeford, was on the verge of closure due to a lack of funding.

But despite receiving offers of help to the tune of £12,500 it was a long way short of the £35,000 needed.

And Lilias Ahmeira, who had run the centre after setting it up in 2010, announced on Monday evening that it was with “extreme regret” that the it had been closed and the horses and other equipment were now up for sale.

The centre provided sensory work and horse play for children struggling with autism, Aspergers, neurological disorders and emotional problems and Lilias said it had achieved “phenomenal” results over the last 18 months.

“There have been little miracles every day,” she said. “We have heard children speak who were mute and seen smiles and laughter where there had been tears. We have made a difference to the lives of families we have touched.”

Lilias, who could no longer sustain the cost of subsidising the centre herself, added: “Despite a last minute rescue plea, we have been unable to secure enough funds to see us through the winter.

“Thank you to everyone who had pledged to help – all donations to our rescue fund will be returned.”

Anyone wanting information about what is being sold – please call 01460-66990.