How a Shetland pony is helping transform the life of young NI boy with rare genetic disorder
Three-year-old with KAT6A Syndrome needs therapy sessions, including some with a Shetland pony
Little Leo Moley from Co Down needs multiple support therapies due to a rare genetic disorder, but his family never imagined that a Shetland pony would become part of his weekly therapeutic routine.
The sessions are part of a National Lottery-funded project, run by One Equine Trust, which brings Shetland ponies and trained practitioners to the Mencap NI centre in Belfast. Working with the ponies improves the skills and confidence of young children with learning disabilities or developmental delays, including three-year-old Leo.
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