A NEWTON Abbot-based horse therapy centre has officially become a charity.

Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship has obtained charitable status in response to growing demand for its services.

Subsidised sessions for disadvantaged groups are increasing and organisers need to raise more funding to cover the costs.

Having charitable status means the organisation can now tap into new fundraising opportunities.

CEO Dr Hannah Burgon said: ‘Charity status will enable us to apply for more grants and therefore offer more subsidised therapeutic horsemanship sessions to disadvantaged young people and adults who cannot afford to pay full fee.

‘We are also fundraising for new stabling for our hardworking horses and ponies so we are also hoping it will help with this campaign.’

Based at Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Sirona provides equine-based therapeutic and educational activities to young people and adults with disabilities and other disadvantages.

Parents and carers report young people gain confidence, self-esteem, learn new skills and improve behaviour.

And the newly formed charity has announced that west country author Ruth Saberton is to support its work by donating 10 per cent of the sales of her new book.

Chances is the story of a 15-year-old girl in foster care who learns to find hope in her life through a horse called Chances.

Ruth said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be supporting Sirona through the sale of my young adult pony book.

‘My aim was to show how horses teach us so much and also give so much in return for the time we spend with them.

‘Sirona’s ethos and work echo the values I also hold dear and explore in Chances.

‘It is my hope that through the sale of this book, Sirona will be able to continue their work and help even more young people.’