Horses have always been a favorite for members of the royal family, and nowMeghan MarkleandPrince Harryare learning how these animals are helping children.
The royal couple continued theirroyal tour of Moroccoon Monday, visiting the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex learned more about the country’s developing program of supporting children with special needs through equine therapy. They attended a horse grooming session with some of the children before watching a riding demonstration and meeting trainers.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Samir Hussein/ WireImage
Meghan Markle.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Louis Broski, the founder of of theCentre Social Kariat, set up the program about 16 years ago to carry out physical therapy for handicapped children.
“We started with donkey riding and then we moved into horse riding,” he says. “We are shepherding sheep with the children and hey have their own rabbits and chickens in their own plot. It is animal therapy.”
The couple spoke with the children, and Harry talked about his own experiences with horse riding.
“They were very gentle,” Broski shares. “Meghan was very gentle towards our children. And Harry was interested in what we are doing.”
Zachary Atali, who became a teacher after participating in the program, met the couple in the first paddock.
“They were very nice. They were kind to us,” he says. “They asked us lots of questions like how do you feel when you ride in the ponies. And we feel happy and very at ease.”
Patrick Alerini, the owner of a private school where they have some autistic children among their pupils, described Meghan and Harry as “very kind, very smiley and very interested in the work.”
The royal family has a long history with horses, especiallyQueen Elizabeth, whose love for the animals started when she was given her first horse (a Shetland pony) when she was just 4. The 92-year-old monarch also attends the Windsor Horse Show annually and is known to get rather spirited when watchinghorse raceslike Royal Ascot.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
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The couple decided to stay on privately for an extra night at the end of the visit, returning on Tuesday to London, instead of on Monday afternoon.
source: people.com
