Duke, one of the Harwich horses vaccinated through UK Power Networks’ Team Sport Award scheme
Submitted by Carolyn Bramble
An Essex riding charity which gives young people the opportunity to rub shoulders with horses and learn to ride has received an award to help keep certain horses safe.
Harwich Horse Rangers have received £250 as part of UK Power Networks’ Team Sport Award, which they use to vaccinate five horses a year.
The association currently has 32 horses and 80 members aged 7 to 18. Members pay a monthly subscription which covers the cost of maintaining the horses and everything else is paid for by fundraising.
The money was awarded by Anne Themistocleous, team leader in the Colchester office of UK Power Networks. His daughter Amelia joined Rangers aged eight and stayed with them until she was 18. Today, Anne and Amelia are friends of the association and volunteers.
Anne said: “Rangers are very grateful for this money because, like many charities, the pandemic has had an impact on fundraising. During the winter, the yard was damaged by high winds that required costly repairs, which put further strain on the funds.
“The annual horse vaccinations are funded through fundraising, so that took a lot of the pressure off knowing that five are now covered by this award.”
Hundreds of community and sports groups have received grants since the inception of the Team Sport Award program. In 2021, 77 teams received prize money totaling a combined sum of £19,250.
The program encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and aims to promote healthy living, teamwork and the development of sporting opportunities.
The Horse Rangers Association Harwich Ltd is located at Bungalow, Ramsey Manor, Michaelstowe Dr, Harwich, Essex CO12 5ER.
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