Inspire to launch therapeutic horseback riding in Gozo

The Inspire Foundation, which provides therapeutic horseback riding as part of its physical, occupational and speech-language therapies, now hopes to start providing a similar, much-needed service in Gozo.

Inspire has launched a crowd funding campaign to raise money through Zaar.com.mt.

“We believe this to be an exciting new platform for us. We are always looking for new ways to engage with the general public and to communicate with them about our cause,” an Inspire spokesperson said, referring to their collaboration with Zaar.

“Therapeutic horseback riding can prove very beneficial to people with special needs. The most obvious benefit is physical, since the horse provides a dynamic base of support, increasing trunk strength and control, balance, and building overall postural strength and endurance,” Claire Galea, the fundraising manager at the foundation, said. “However, apart from helping them with their physical condition, therapeutic horseback riding also helps children and adults with disabilities to gain confidence,” she added.

Galea went on to explain the significance of such a campaign.

“We would not be able to provide this service were it not for the generous donations we receive and fundraising efforts we undertake. I therefore urge the general public to donate whatever they can towards the introduction of therapeutic horseback riding in Gozo, because every little bit can make a great difference in someone’s life,” she said.

In a statement, Inspire said it is also offering benefactors who donate more than €25 a number of rewards to thank them for their support, namely a stress ball and lovely paper notebook. Furthermore, the foundation mentioned that the first 20 people who contribute will be given day passes for Inspire’s Fitness Centre with the use of the Inspire indoor pool in Marsaskala.

To donate, one can visit www.zaar.com.mt and click on Therapeutic Horseback Riding Project where more information about the project and its rewards is available.