A SPECIALIST centre which uses horses to help children with special needs has become one of the first of its kind to open in Cumbria.

Unicorns and Rainbows is an equine assisted learning centre in Pennington and was set up by Michelle Phizacklea and Jane Armstrong-Lancaster last month.

After carrying out extensive research, the pair flew to Texas to visit similar centres which have achieved amazing results across America for children with a range of disabilities, including autism.

Ms Phizacklea, who is also the headteacher at Vickerstown Primary School, said: "Texas was life in another world, we've done so much research and our aim is to work with children and young people and their families and give a bespoke one-to-one programme.

"The advantages are horses don't judge anyone, they don't care if you're disabled, rich or poor - they only care about how they are treated.

"It was a bit of a dream and we wanted to make it a reality."

While the idea is still very much in its infancy in the UK, centres have been operating across the United States for more than 30 years.

Since opening its doors on July 7, the centre now has 14 clients, with the youngest aged three, and inquiries flood in from young people and adults alike.

Equine therapy's success is attributed to the low resting heart rate of the animals having a unique calming effect on children with SEN, whose bodies typically produce higher levels of cortisol - the stress hormone.

He said: "It's early days but it's going great and our families are over the moon - we've had children roaring with laughter.

"We know our horses inside and out and they are desensitised and won't react to crying and screaming and whatever else might happen."

The teacher and her business partner are working with families from Barrow, Kendal, Millom, Dalton and Ulverston.

The pair have also submitted an application for a community interest company.

One-hour classes cost £40 at the stables in Livy Beck Stud, Pennington Lane.

For more information, call Michelle on 07920 222123.

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