Last week Winchester’s Mayor made a visit to a very special mare.

It’s not every day a horse wins an award but for the Winchester Mayor has decided to recognise Honey the horse’s special contribution to the community.

Honey is a thirty year old Arab-Welsh-cross chestnut mare who is owned by Abigail Withey founder of the charity Helping Hooves which are based at the Veteran Horse's Home in Upper Swanmore.

The mission of the Helping Hooves is to help aid people recover from illness, injury or other trauma by interacting with horses but the charity also offers sessions in country crafts and gardening.

The social enterprise describes itself as a hybrid between a therapy provider and an accessible country club; while giving a new lease of life to older horses and ponies. The country crafts and gardening is done at The Snug a converted granary on the Longwood Estate near Winchester.

Helping Hooves has ten horses and is hoping to get an eleventh and they range in ages from 18 to 40.

The organisation reaches out to convalescing people to offer them therapeutic horse companionship and accessible countryside activities. All horse and ponies are used for non-ridden therapy sessions and are very people friendly.

Abigail says all her horses deserve awards but Honey is special and said:

“She is the most amazing horse, she is the first one people meet. She’s always willing to come and see people. She’s a real confidence giver, our most obliging and accommodating horse. She’s like an overgrown dog. She asks for Polo mints raising her hoof to beg.”

Abigail said of Honey getting the Mayor’s Award: “As far as I’m aware it’s the first time an animal has been awarded the Mayors Award. But if Desert Orchid can be Sports Personality of the Year then Honey can get a community award.”

Of the Mayor’s visit Abigail said: “Honey begged Polos off her all afternoon. She met some of the clients and chatted with them and asked them how it helped them. The Mayor thinks it’s a great service and a nice environment for people to come to.”

She added: “That day we had a stroke survivor, some visually impaired clients, someone with vascular EDS, a cancer patient, a diabetic and a woman with dementia.”

Abigail said of the day: “It was a pleasure. Honey totally deserved it. I was really pleased for her. She enjoyed all the attention. She knows she’s the special one.”

The Mayor of Winchester tweeted: “Lovely to meet Honey and Abigail Withey, at the Helping Hooves 'almshouse' for older horses and ponies. Note Honey's special Rosette Award!”

Helping Hooves sees about 300 clients a year but are hoping to increase the number to 500. People can come to the charity directly but they also take GP referrals or from organisations such as the Stroke Association.

For more information about Helping Hooves call 01962 771441 or email: hello@helpinghoovesuk.org