Prez's horses set to give 'healing ride' to special kids

Thiruvananthapuram, July 13 (UNI) From the Army to the company of mentally-challenged children, two trained horses gifted to an institute for mental retardation here by President A P J Abdul Kalam showed no sign of discomfort today.

Fresh from three-week training in horse riding from the State Mounted Police, ten mentally-challenged persons at the Central Institute of Mental Retardation (CIMR) here are all set to 'take command' of the animals from the two Armymen who brought them from New Delhi.

''Of course, there will be a professional trainer to assist them,'' CIMR Assistant Director Sr Elise Mary told UNI here.

The horses -- Fairluck and Victor -- were gifted to the institute which trains about 200 mentally-challenged persons in the state after CIMR Founder Director, Fr Thomas Felix, wrote to the President seeking a trained horse for helping children in their therapy.

''By overcoming the fear of encountering a huge animal, there is going to be a tremendous difference in the growth proces of mentally-disabled children,'' Fr Felix said.

The horses reached the institute on Tuesday evening after a seven- day journey by road from the national capital.

Sr Elise Mary said Pradeep Kumar, a national equestrian champion from the Army and his colleague, Netram, would stay here for a fortnight to get the horses familiar with the new environs.

''Now, children are allowed to ride, groom and mingle with the horses. We hope, the animals will be an inspiration for the children,'' they said.

UNI