Meet the horse that helps disabled children

Lightning, pictured in front, is already making an impact with children at the centre

A horse riding centre for the disabled in Nuneaton has been able to buy a new horse thanks to its latest donations.

Lightning has already begun his journey helping young people and children through the Changing Lives Through Horses Scheme at Nuneaton & North Warwickshire Equestrian Centre.

His arrival comes after Warwickshire Police Cadets raised £3,720 for the centre by taking part in a 24-hour walk, last month.

Sue Lynch, a coach in the scheme, said the "gentle" and "kind" horse was already making an impact with children at the centre.

"He's settling in really well and everyone is enjoying meeting him and starting to work with him," Ms Lynch said.

'Grow in confidence'

The Changing Lives Through Horses scheme is a programme led by The British Horse Society (BHS), which uses equestrian centres to help people aged between five and 25 to develop key life skills - especially those who have additional needs.

It aims to help build confidence, communication, teamwork, and responsibility through structured activities to help re-engage participants with education.

Ms Lynch said she has supported 65 young people while coaching through the scheme and was announced the winner of the BHS's Coach Award 2025 earlier this month.

She told the BBC: "It's an honour to receive this award.

"The Changing Lives Through Horses programme truly does what it says – I've seen so many participants grow in confidence and find new purpose through their time with the horses.

"I'm proud to be part of the team making that possible."