about us

empowering autism, enriching community: your local source for support and acceptance

About The David Lock Horsepool Foundation and Horsepool Farm

Our Foundation:

The David Lock Horsepool Foundation is a beacon of hope and healing. Established with the vision to harness the therapeutic power of nature and animal interactions, our foundation is the driving force behind Horsepool Farm. Through dedication and community support, we aim to bring transformative experiences to those in need.

Our Future:

Horsepool Farm, still in the stages of development, is designed to become a healing ground where individuals can engage with nature and animals to find solace and strength. As we lay the groundwork for a future filled with compassion and support, we invite you to follow our progress and join us in anticipation of our grand opening.

Our People:

At the helm of our initiatives is Charlotte, the farm manager, whose expertise in therapeutic practices and animal care is vital to our mission. Lotta, our charity manager, ensures that every step we take is aligned with our goal to make a lasting impact on the community and beyond.

“Having three autistic sons I understand the challenges families can face to help their youngsters navigate this confusing world.”

— David Lock (founder)

The Legacy/Finance Declaration

Dear Friends of Horsepool,

For transparency, our trustees would like to share where our funds come from and go to.

We have invested heavily in acquiring and refurbishing our farm. We also plan to make significant improvements and develop our infrastructure over the next few years. By keeping our staff team small and supported by volunteers, we will keep our operating costs low. This means that 100% of our funds are used to support autistic youngsters and their families from the local community.

Adept Care Homes, which I own, is our principal sponsor. As our charity farm project grows, we expect more of our income to come from other sponsors, donations, grants, and service charges. Adept owns Moat House Care Home locally and I’m sure that residents and their families will be pleased to hear that its sponsorship is via its property division and has no effect on your care fees.

Best regards,

David Lock
Chairman and Founder

  • Lotta Lock - Charity Manager

    Lotta has 25 years of experience in care and education, including 10 years teaching at a special needs school. With a master’s degree in education and Level 7 Autism Awareness qualification, she excels in behaviour management using the Low Arousal Approach. Her calm, inclusive style ensures everyone feels respected, heard, and supported.

  • Charlotte Rosie - Farm Manager

    Charlotte has always recognised the critical role animals play in enhancing both mental and physical wellbeing. She prides herself on exceptionally high welfare standards and implements these practices in the day to day running of the farm. 

Meet Our Team:

  • Brandon O’Reilly - Deputy Manager

    Brandon is passionate about animal welfare and has extensive knowledge of various species and their care. With experience working with both children and animals, he understands the therapeutic benefits animals can offer in a supportive environment.

  • Dave Lock - Chair

    Dave offers leadership and vision to the Charity, leveraging his extensive experience in business and care home management. His goal is to guide our team towards delivering high-quality services that align with our charity’s mission.

  • Chris White - Treasurer

    Chris is an entrepreneurial finance expert with a robust background in financial management and property development. As our Treasurer, he ensures that our finances are managed safely and efficiently.

  • Joe Lock - Trustee

    Joe combines his skills in IT, media, marketing, and education to support our charity's technological and property needs. His personal experiences growing up with autistic siblings enhance his dedication to our cause.

  • Catherine Lock - Trustee

    As a physiotherapist, Catherine brings a deep commitment to patient advocacy and personalized care, particularly for children with neurological conditions, aligning her expertise with our mission of compassionate support.

Meet Our Trustees:

  • Derek Smith - Trustee

    Derek’s background in education and social work, specialising in supporting neurodiverse youth, positions him as a key contributor to our charity, aiming to enhance the lives of vulnerable youth through innovative support solutions.

  • Peter Savage - Trustee

    With over 20 years of leadership across various sectors, Peter brings strategic insights and exceptional organisational skills, helping to steer our foundation towards achieving its goals.

  • James Hill - Trustee

    James has a lifelong passion for animals and extensive experience in managing equestrian centres. His knowledge is invaluable as we establish and develop the operational aspects of Horsepool Farm.