Equine sports massage and rehabilitation therapist Ashleigh Williams is looking to establish a dedicated equine rehabilitation centre and community interest company (CIC) which will offer therapeutic care for rescue horses and those whose owners may lack the resources for treatment.
Ashleigh, who is based in Kent, wants to ensure specialised equine rehabilitation and therapy services are available to all those involved with horses after spotting a gap in the market.
“In recent years, I have observed a growing issue: many owners struggle to afford essential rehabilitation treatments for their horses,” said Ashleigh.
“This has become more apparent since the pandemic and continues as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I am conducting independent research to support this, and those I have spoken to so far agree there is an issue.”
Community benefits
A CIC is a non for profit company which aims to benefit the community rather than private stakeholders. Ashleigh’s CIC will offer a range of advanced treatments including hydrotherapy, salt and oxygen therapy, ultrasound therapy and spa baths, combi floor therapy as well as sports massage and rehabilitation therapy.
Treatments at the centre will be available to both full-paying clients and those receiving funding which will allow rescue centres, sanctuaries and those owners in financial difficulty to access treatments at a subsidised rate. Profits from private treatments will be reinvested into the centre. The location of the centre is to be determined.
“I aim to establish the CIC business in the coming months, enabling me to treat more horses while we work towards creating the centre. Part of the CIC application process is compiling research and evidence to support the need for the CIC.”
To help Ashleigh with her research please click here for the questionnaire. To donate to Ashleigh’s crowdfunding campaign which has a target of £20,000, click here.
Image © Ashleigh Williams.
