A FAMILY of horses specially trained to help children with learning difficulties is looking for a base in Darlington.

Their owner, Jo Moss, recently returned to Blackwell to be closer to her elderly parents and wants to set up her Horsethinking therapy centre in the Darlington area after successfully running the service in Ireland.

The service involves Ms Moss’ specially trained horses; Midnight, Clara, Libre and Opera, interacting with children who have communication problems or learning difficulties, while under the supervision of a mental health professional.

This interaction, known as equine assisted therapy, can help youngsters with conditions such as autism and Down’s syndrome and Ms Moss is keen to move her horses from their current stables in Northallerton closer to Darlington so she can offer the service to local families.

She said: “It would be really quite exciting to bring it to Darlington; it is fantastic for kids.

“There are quite a few centres around the UK, but none in this area and we are working very hard and talking to all the people we know to find a base in the Darlington, Stockton or Middlesbrough area.”

Ms Moss is looking to rent stables for four horses, plus enough space to run the therapy sessions and an area which could be converted into a meeting space for families using the service.

If you think you can help, contact her on 07553475309 or email info@horsethinking.com.