A FUNDRAISER has been launched to support six foals who have found a new home at a Leigh therapy farm after their owners were forced to give them up. 

The foals, Biscuit, Biscoff, Cookie, Bambi, Teddy and Otis, have been taken in by Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm and will eventually be used to provide “equine therapy” to individuals with additional mental health or educational needs.

The farm’s horses visit care homes, hospitals, and schools across south Essex. 

While the long-term plan is for the foals to join the farm’s stable of therapy horses, in the short term, the new additions require a lot of specialist care

The foals will join the farm's existing stableThe foals will join the farm's existing stable (Image: Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm)

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for a shelter to house the foals. Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm hopes to raise £2,000 through the fundraiser.

“We’ve got fields and have also managed to secure another bit of grazing area for them, but we don’t have a shelter for them at the minute” explained Nikki Birch, who runs the farm. 

“We’ve been doing a lot of updates on social media with the foals and are hoping people will not only donate to the fundraiser but also follow their story with us.”

Therapy horse, Secret, with patient William Harold and Wife, Catherine HaroldTherapy horse, Secret, with patient William Harold and Wife, Catherine Harold (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm is run by Nikki Birch who began offering equine therapy in Leigh in 2018. She took in the horses when their previous owner was unable to secure them a new home.

“We’ve been doing this work since 2018 and served over 1,000 children this summer alone,” said Nikki.

She added: “Our main priority is working with children and adults with special educational needs, and we get funding from the council to offer free and discounted sessions.”

Equine therapy is a form of therapy that involves patients working with therapists and horses to process difficult emotions and feelings and develop stronger personal coping strategies.

In July, one of the farm’s miniature ponies, Secret, delighted patients at Southend Hospital when she toured wards as part of Silverbirch’s mobile equine therapy programme.

To donate to Silverbirch’s fundraiser, visit gofundme.com.