Ponies Help Children was established in 2015 by Moira Ireland and Heather Stephens. The family run organisation has grown steadily in that time and it now works with children, young people and adults from across Central Scotland.

Unlike many other equine assisted therapy charities, Ponies Help Children are one of the few whose sessions don't involve riding, but instead allow the children the opportunity to have hands on, close contact with the ponies and develop a special bond between the two. Each block is made up of 7 weeks of 1-hour sessions, which are individually tailored to each child and involve grooming and lead work. As rescue ponies, they have experienced neglect and abuse, this to match them with a child who may have underwent similar hardships which assists in creating the amazing bond between the two and helps to form a basis for improving life skills.

Ponies Help Children main aim is to provide a safe haven for families with disadvantaged children and young people to engage with our ponies. These children and young people have the opportunity to build resilience through emotional connection; learn to trust and build relationships, cultivating positive physical, mental health and well-being whilst promoting social inclusion.