Club Meeting

The beneficial effect of ponies on troubled and disadvantaged children and young people was the topic at the Rotary Club of South Queensferry on Thursday 17th February. In a hybrid meeting with some people attending The Bistro at Connifox in person and others participating through Zoom, members and guests enjoyed a fascinating presentation by Heather Stephens who, with her mother Moira, founded Ponies Help Children. This charity, based outside Shotts in North Lanarkshire, rescues ponies which have experienced abuse and neglect. It nurtures the ponies to physical and emotional health till they can trust humans without fear or anxiety. The facilities also provide a safe haven for children in need of support to engage with the ponies which improves the youngsters' resilience through emotional connection. Interacting with ponies on a regular basis helps them build relationships, improves mental health and promotes social inclusion. Heather's talk included many inspiring examples of how young lives have been changed by friendship with the animals. The charity's staff of three handlers and over twenty volunteers offer programmes of twelve one- hour sessions per day. They also take ponies to public events and even into care homes where the animals' presence can bring back memories to dementia patients. More details can be found on the Ponies Help Children website.