A new therapy service using horses to help children and young people is launching.

Wight Horse Wellbeing, based at Island Riding Centre, will provide equine-assisted therapeutic support to those in need.

The initiative stemmed from the donation of Bailey, a charity pony, by Cariad Downer in September 2022.

Bailey was given to assist children currently undergoing therapy.

Ms Downer, a qualified therapist and trauma-informed coach, was a deputy headteacher and has received a national award from Barnardo's for her dedication to the service.

Louise Buckner from the Island Riding Centre is eager to utilise her facilities to help improve self-esteem and self-worth in young people.

She is passionate about using horses to heal and adopting a holistic approach to well-being.

She wants to educate the next generation about the importance of spending time with and caring for animals.

Cariad and Louise's shared love of horses and commitment to supporting people has led them to join forces to help meet the increasing demand for mental health support on the Island.

Their service will be launched on October 1.

Equine-assisted wellbeing is a collaborative effort between a qualified therapist or coach and a horse to address treatment goals.