Galloway Therapy Ponies and Equine-Assisted Wellbeing

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Galloway Therapy Ponies, a community wellbeing service based in Galloway that will provide therapeutic pony visits across Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire; notes that the service has been founded by Emily Wilson, a trained practitioner with experience in equine-assisted wellbeing, community development and mental health support, to provide opportunities for gentle interaction, sensory engagement and emotional connection; recognises the value of therapeutic animal interaction for people of all ages, including those with additional support needs, dementia, anxiety and limited mobility; recognises that the service will work with care homes, nurseries, schools, additional support needs (ASN) settings, community groups and wellbeing projects, with sessions tailored to meet the needs of those in each setting; commends Emily for developing an innovative, community-based approach to supporting wellbeing and social connection across Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, and wishes everyone at Galloway Therapy Ponies every success as it takes bookings for autumn and winter 2026.