Rider launches horse therapy company in Cornwall after raising £25,000

A keen rider from Bodmin who set up an equine therapy business to help people with mental health problems has secured £25,000 in funding. Lisa Deacon was working in a country pub when she realized her true calling was out in the fields.

After three years of training, Ms. Deacon established Equine Connect in 2021 to provide therapy through interaction with horses and ponies. The business caters to people of all ages with a range of mental health issues, including trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The entrepreneur secured a start-up loan through the British Business Bank to help pay for more equipment and infrastructure for her yard. The money was used to buy a quad bike and some new fencing and to create a therapy ‘safe corner’ for the children.

“It was basically for all the things I needed to help me run the business and I just didn’t have that extra money,” she said. “I’m a one-woman band, so anything I can use or buy to help me is really important.”

Ms Deacon says the money has provided a “huge boost” to Equine Connect and allowed it to “go for the ride” offering personalized assisted therapy packages.

“It’s so special,” she said. “People often break down in tears and then end up apologizing for taking them by surprise. I’ve already reached so many people, aged between five and 65.”

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Looking ahead, the businesswoman hopes to expand the company and improve the Equine Connect website by creating accommodation so customers can stay overnight.

She added: “Starting a business from scratch is scary no matter what stage of life you’re at and it’s definitely been a hectic few days. But go on. Ignore the negativity and focus on the people who will energize and support you and you’ll be fine.”