CHILDREN with special educational needs are taking to horseback for equine therapy sessions.

Pupils at Hope Wood Academy, in Easington, are taking part in weekly horse riding and stable management lessons at Washington Riding Centre.

Hope Wood teacher Amy Naylor said: “The impact that the horses have on the children is incredible.

“Most of our pupils have never experienced a horse before let alone ridden one. Even the process of putting on a riding hat or being close to a horse has been a major achievement.

“For others just leaving the classroom is a massive accomplishment so to get into the saddle on their first visit, follow instructions from the handlers and communicate with new people has been amazing.”

Children taking part have a range of needs including autism, epilepsy and downs syndrome.

Sally Barber, whose son Nathaniel Sullivan, seven, has autism and hyper mobility issues said: “Nathaniel finds it difficult to sit still most of the time but he loves being on a horse and the movement of it walking along really relaxes him.

“We don’t have any pets at home and he’s never really been near a horse before, but he absolutely adores them”.