A pony called Fee made friends with East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds at Broadlands Equine Therapy and RDA in Medstead.

Mr Hinds spent an hour touring the site and learning about the work of the centre on March 28.

Broadlands began in 1955 by giving pony riding opportunities to people with disabilities and now also offers equine therapy.

Head of trustees Tony Williams led a discussion with Mr Hinds and other Broadlands team members about how the MP could help.

Mr Hinds talked about the importance of social prescribing and said volunteering at Broadlands could be good for people’s health and well-being, suggesting the centre talk to GP surgeries about this.

Broadlands wants to add to its team of 60 volunteers, enticing them with the slogan “It’s more than shovelling pony manure!” For more details call 01420 375767 or email [email protected],uk

As well as working with the 11 ponies and 65 riders, there are many background roles. Recent projects have included laying a yard surface, decorating stables, planting hedges, making cakes, designing posters and various maintenance tasks.

Mr Williams told Mr Hinds the centre’s annual running costs were £120,000, with £70,000 for staff wages and the rest going on insurance, feed and bedding, plus fees to farriers and physiotherapists who keep the ponies in good working condition.

A further £30,000 is needed in Broadlands’ Platinum Jubilee year as the centre wants to buy three younger ponies and allow its ageing veterans to retire happily.

The team also asked Mr Hinds whether brown road signs could be introduced from the A31 to help people find Broadlands, which is off Lower Paice Lane.

The Herald, armed with AA directions, managed to drive straight there, but it needed four educated guesses about which turnings to take. It’s a hidden gem!