A non-profit organisation in Stirling is using miniature ponies to provide therapeutic support for people of all ages, including children with additional support needs and adults in care settings.
Lunar Eclipse raises miniature horses for therapy sessions, offering specialist programmes designed to improve mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
The work has been life-changing for Linda Fish, who takes part in sessions alongside a group of therapy horses known as the Hoof Gang.
Through Equine-Facilitated Learning, the programme helped her autistic, non-verbal son speak for the first time.
Linda told STV News: “Horses were visiting him, and he came home out of the blue and told us verbally they were visiting, so I got in touch with Lunar Eclipse, and he’s come on leaps and bounds since.
“He’s more verbal, his confidence is rising, he takes on responsibilities, he helps muck out and feed, helps put the horses in and out of the field, and we love coming up here.”
Lunar Eclipse Therapy Horses was founded by 53-year-old Cherene Robertson after one horse – Luna – helped her recover from life-changing injuries following an assault at work.
“At the moment, what we’re offering is connection and groundwork, wellness walks,” explained Cherene.
“We encourage adults and children to build small courses, and they learn to lead through connection with the horses. None of our work is ridden; everything we do is completely on the ground.
“It’s all very meaningful groundwork exercises that bring in connection with the horse.”
Cherene now offers others the opportunity to take part in sessions designed to improve wellbeing through interaction with horses.
From American Miniatures to Shetland ponies and Argentinian Falabella, each horse plays a therapeutic role.
All 11 miniature horses at Lunar Eclipse work with people across the community, including care home residents in Stirling.
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