From Country Pub to Countryside Therapy: The Equine Entrepreneur Transforming Mental Health with Horses

In the serene backdrop of Bodmin, Cornwall, Lisa, a former country pub worker turned entrepreneur, is harnessing the therapeutic powers of horses to promote mental health recovery.

Thanks to a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, her venture, Equine Connect, offers a sanctuary for individuals dealing with mental health challenges such as trauma and PTSD.

Journey to Equine Connect

Lisa’s journey began three years ago when she realised that her passion for horses could evolve from a hobby to a professional calling. “The bond between animals and humans can be an incredible force for good,” Lisa noted, reflecting on her decision to leave the hospitality industry for equine therapy.

After extensive training and gaining experience, Lisa established Equine Connect in 2021. Her farmyard now welcomes individuals of all ages, providing them with the opportunity to heal through the care and interaction with horses and ponies.

Photo:Lisa Deacon, Equine Connect, with Rosie the Pony

The Impact of Funding

The Start Up Loan has been pivotal for Equine Connect. It enabled Lisa to purchase essential items such as a quad bike, install new fencing, and create a ‘safe corner’ for children—a tranquil space designed to make them feel secure and at ease. “Basically, it was for all the things I needed to help me run the business,” Lisa explained.

This financial boost not only facilitated operational enhancements but also affirmed the value of her work. “When the loan comes through it just gives you the sense that someone believes in you and what you’re doing,” Lisa shared.

Emotional Rewards and Future Visions

One of the most fulfilling aspects for Lisa has been witnessing the profound interactions between clients and their selected horses. These moments of connection often lead to emotional breakthroughs for her clients. “People often just burst into tears and then end up apologising because it’s taken them by surprise,” she recounted.

Encouraged by her early success, Lisa is now contemplating the expansion of Equine Connect. She hopes to enhance the facility and possibly introduce accommodation options for prolonged therapeutic engagements.

A Word of Encouragement

Starting a business can be daunting, filled with uncertainties and challenges. Lisa’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects her own experience: “Ignore the negativity and focus on the people that are going to energise and help you and you’ll be fine!”

About Start Up Loans

The Start Up Loans programme, a government-backed initiative by the British Business Bank, aims to support the inception and growth of businesses across the UK. Offering unsecured personal loans of up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6%, the programme also provides free mentoring for 12 months, ensuring recipients have the guidance needed to succeed.

Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans scheme has delivered over 105,000 loans, distributing more than £1bn in funds, demonstrating its significant impact on the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape.

To discover more about the Start Up Loans programme and how it can help turn a business idea into reality, visit startuploans.co.uk.

For further information about Equine Connect and to explore the benefits of equine therapy, visit equine-connect.co.uk.

Lisa’s story is not just about the transition from bartender to entrepreneur; it’s about providing a lifeline through the love of horses, supported by a belief in her mission from the British Business Bank. This story of transformation and hope underlines the power of passion fused with purpose, guided by supportive financial frameworks.