About Us
Through communication with horses, looking after them and on the ground activities, we empower children and young people to experience positive changes for themselves and the community.
What We Know
Children and adolescents are suffering at an increasing and unprecedented rate
One in six children and young people between the ages of 6 and 16 in England, had a diagnosable mental health disorder in 2021
September 2021
Digital NHS
January 2022
Digital NHS
A new report published today by NHS Digital shows that the proportion of 17–19-year-olds with a probable mental disorder has increased from 17.4% in 2021 to 25.7% in 2022
November 2022
NHS Digital
Who We Are
Mariachiara Apruzzese
DIRECTOR
Building on 10+ years of experience in International Relations and the charitable sector, Maria Chiara founded the Wesko Equestrian Foundation. Having worked with disadvantaged children in Ecuador and being a single mother of two, she has experienced first-hand how trauma affects children’s every day lives. Horses played an important role in her childhood and is now committed to pass this on to her own children and other children in need.
Emma Chesworth
TRUSTEE
A former three-day event rider, Emma has worked in the sport and charitable sector for over 20 years. Emma worked for their charity, the Laureus Sport Good Foundation. A Foundation that supports more than 275 programmes in over 50 countries using the power of sport to transform lives. She spent time in South Africa with PoloAfrica, a project that uses the love of ponies, riding and polo to give hope and aspiration to boys and girls from economically- disadvantaged rural communities in the Eastern Free State.
Lesley Withers
TRUSTEE
Lesley is a trustee for the Wesko Equestrian Foundation. Through the work with the foundation, Lesley has seen the benefits of interaction with horses both for physical and mental well- being and getting through difficult times. As a mother of two teenage boys, Lesley can clearly see the benefits of keeping adolescents engaged in healthy outdoor activity communing with equine- assisted therapy.
Stuart Carter
TRUSTEE
A former jockey, Stuart has a thorough understanding of horses and their benefits, both physical and mental. He has now been running equine- related businesses for many years. ‘Horses for Wellbeing’ brings together Stuart’s business expertise and passion for helping others through interaction with horses. Stuart also manages the property, Windrush, where the centre will be based.