A group of tattoo artists will tomorrow ink people to raise funds for a farm where rescued horses interact with children and adults with physical, social and emotional difficulties.

Guy Lee-Alliston will be opening the doors to his tattoo studio in Għadira for those who want to get inked for a cause: the self-funded family-run Dreams of Horses Farm in Gozo.

The Dreams of Horses Farm is a space where rescued horses interact with children and adults of different abilities. Inset: A foal born this year at the farm was named Guylee. The animal is standing next to the tattoo artist Guy Lee-Alliston. Photos provided by Guy Lee-Alliston

The equestrian therapy centre situated in Ramla Valley on the outskirts of Xagħra started off as a dream for Victor Muscat, who volunteered at horse farms in Canada.

The idea is to provide a space for horses, some of which are rescued, where they can take part in therapeutic activities for students, educators, carers and those experiencing physical or mental difficulties.

Mr Muscat said each horse had its own story, and the farm doubled as a sanctuary for unwanted or neglected horses. The very first horse Mr Muscat acquired was in transit to be sold off for its meat.

Rescued horses are the ones that engage best with children and people with physical and emotional difficulties

He believes that rescued horses are the ones that engage best with children and people with physical and emotional difficulties.

Mr Muscat manages to sustain the therapy through his own, separate, family-business and other activities such as team-building and educational events with the horses at the farm. However, the farm currently needs funds for a structure on site to host the horses.

Last year, the team behind Guy Lee Tattoo Familee Studio helped raise funds for victims of the devastating Nepal earthquake, and this year, they chose to help out Mr Muscat after they met the horses at the farm.

Mr Lee-Alliston already donates 10 per cent of his business profit to support the farm. Tomorrow’s one-day event, which he is organising with colleagues, will see all proceeds going towards the Dreams of Horses Farm.

People can just drop by at the studio on Marfa Road from 10am onwards.

They can choose a flash that has specifically been designed for the occasion by one of the five artists at the studio, and get inked against a donation.

More information on Facebook and at www.dreamsofhorsesfarm.com.