A VOLUNTEER has applied to the Let’s Do It campaign for funding to undertake stable management training.

Tracy Hill gives her free time to work as a volunteer cook at Family Action, in Bessborough Road, Harrow, which offers support to vulnerable families who need help with health and social issues.

However, she would like to expand her skills and use her passion for horse riding by training in stable management so she can work at Stanmore Riding School, which helps people with mental illness build their confidence, knowledge and independence through working with animals.

The animal lover has applied to the Observer Community Awards for funding for herself and others from Family Action to undertake an eight-week course, costing £170 per person.

She applied to the Observer’s and Barclays bank Let’s Do It campaign last year but was unsuccessful and is hoping this year will be different.

Ms Hill said: “I would like to do the horse management course because it would give me some confidence and better understanding with horses and a grant would fund this. I also like helping in the community.”

Lorraine De La Hoyde, deputy manager at Family Action, helped Ms Hill put the application together.

Ms De La Hoyde said there was a large number of clients at Family Action who have expressed a strong interest in taking part and she believes it would give them greater independence and could lead to paid employment for some.

The expert in equine assistant psychology said: “Tracy was so excited about it. She loves animals and wants to learn to tack, untack and groom the horses and the course would enable her to do that.”