A LOCAL MP recently visited an equestrian centre which is a leader in the field of equine therapy for children.

Think Like a Pony Community Interest Company empowers young, vulnerable and mainstream children through horsemanship.

Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds North West, visited Think Like a Pony’s new centre in Horsforth, where he met with its founder Lynn Henry.

Alex said: “Lynn showed me round all the new facilities including a new indoor arena, so the children can still ride in bad weather, it also includes a viewing platform for parents to watch from.

“The new facilities are really impressive, and Lynn explained how the aim of Think like a Pony is to be inclusive of all children and that this has proven to be particularly life-changing for vulnerable children.”

Think Like a Pony was established in 2013 and has been empowering children to be more confident, resilient and build powerful communication skills.

They are a leading organisation in the fields of children's natural horsemanship, equine therapy, and online horsemanship. They also provide a holistic riding school, therapeutic programme, and have an online learning programme where young people can learn how to communicate with a pony as well as learning to ride.

It has been going from strength to strength and the new flagship centre, which opened last year, will enable it to continue to do so.

Lynn explained how they work with vulnerable children, who may be suffering with mental health issues or in a Youth Justice Programme. She is also hopeful that two Ukrainian child refugees, they are in contact with, will be joining them on their next programme to help them to work through the trauma they have suffered.

Alex said: “As well as meeting Lynn and hearing about the fantastic work they do, it was great to meet May and the other ponies who have been given a new start and now spend their time helping vulnerable families and children.

“Lynn has recently got a puppy, which she hopes to train as a therapy dog.”

The centre has also been donated some picnic benches which are located at the front of the new centre for families to sit at. They have plans to plant wildflowers in the same area over the summer.

Alex added: “I wish Think Like a Pony, every success with their new centre and in continuing the excellent work they do and the opportunities they provide for local children through the various programmes they offer.”

Visit www.thinklikeapony.co.uk for more information.