On January 25th 2012 Greatwood Charity celebrated a decade in Wiltshire. During this time the charity has rehabilitated and re-homed hundreds of former racehorses as well as helped over 2000 children with special education needs (SEN) within the region, enabling many to follow a career with horses.

Rainscombe Hill Farm, near Marlborough is Greatwood HQ and is a former dairy, with the old milking parlour now cleverly transformed into the classroom and the numerous barns converted into 70 cosy and practical stables, housing the Greatwood equines in winter, when they're not relaxing in its 230 acres of peaceful fields and paddocks. Greatwood is also home to geese, ducks, sheep, goats, donkeys and chickens, as well as three Shetland ponies – the Greatwood Nursemaids - Poncho, Arron and Toyboy. Last but not least , Greatwood’s dedicated team consisting of 12 key members, all experts in their field ranging from horsemen to highly qualified teachers.

When Amy Howell first arrived at Greatwood as a student on the Horse Power Programme, she was described as a elective mute, unable to speak with anyone, but after forming a special bond with Monty, a retired racehorse at Greatwood, Amy began to communicate again.

Amy comments “I now can now speak to anyone, I am going to work full time at Greatwood and learn to ride, horses are my life now, thanks to Monty and the Greatwood SEN Programmes."

Helen Yeadon, Founder of Greatwood comments, “In the 10 years of Greatwood being in Wiltshire I am very proud of what our team has achieved with both the children and the horses. I would like to thank them all as well as our generous supporters, who have enabled us to continue our work."

To celebrate this incredible milestone the staff at Greatwood made all the horses oat and carrot cakes which went down very well indeed. The students from Rowdeford School are seen here with the Staff, and Al and Monty, two former racehorses that Helen and Michael Yeadon brought with them 10 years ago, when they moved the charity from Devon to Marlborough in Wiltshire. Everyone would like to say a HUGE thank you to all of the generous supporters and donors that have continued to help Greatwood over the years. Here's to another 10!