THERE are plans to create a new therapeutic horse riding centre near Ross-on-Wye which could benefit people with disabilities.

Lisa Millman has asked Herefordshire Council for permission to create the equine and rural therapies centre on land at Hilltop in Upton Bishop.

These proposals include the construction of a classroom, craft workshop, a three-bed accommodation for pupils, a temporary dwelling for a worker and foaling stables on the 21-acre site.

Lisa Millman and mother Barbara want to offer horsemanship courses which help with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorders.

The centre would also provide carriage driving opportunities and other therapeutic rural based activities such as husbandry, land management and harvesting.

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Once set up, they want to gradually broaden the services offered to reach out to soldiers recovering from trauma or injury, children of armed personnel, disabled and disadvantaged members of the local community.

“The idea for Hilltop Equine and Rural Therapies was born from a combination of skills, passion and commitment of chairperson Barbara Millman and daughter Lisa,” the business plan reads.

“Barbara has been a disabled rights advisor to Herefordshire Council and other local organisations for a number of years.

“Living on site is an essential part of being able to ‘make this happen’ for Barbara, to live an active and fruitful life as well as essential in the management of the many types of livestock that will make HEART their home.”

Residents have until February 19 to comment on the plans.

The county council is expected to consider the scheme by March 16.