Ten years of changing lives and building futures with pony therapy

An organisation originally set up to rescue abused and neglected ponies that has now helped thousands of children will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer.

- MICHAEL PRINGLE

Ponies Help Children (PHC) earned charity status in 2015, launched by Heather Stephens and her mum Moira Ireland, it now has around 60 to 70 young people attending sessions each week.

Sadly, Moira died in 2019, just as ground was broken on a project to build an indoor equine therapeutic centre.

She would have been immensely proud of the strides that her daughter and her son-in-law Wayne, Heather's husband have since taken to ensure PHC continues to help even more young people.

In January 2022, a hub site was set up at Woodhead Farm, Uddingston and is run by Ann McKenna. This helps families who may struggle with the cost of travel to the main base at Blairmains Farm near Harthill.

The charity uses the power of equine engagement as a therapy, allowing children to interact with the ponies. PHC provides a safe haven where people can engage with the ponies.

Young people who are referred to the charity through a range of agencies, including schools in Lanarkshire and West Lothian, build resilience through mindful interaction and emotional connection with the animals.