Horses That Heal At The Royal Navy Royal Marines Riding Stables

The healing power of horses has been helping service personnel and veterans recover from injuries and illness in the West Country.

The Royal Navy Royal Marine Riding Stables in Bickleigh, Devon is a charity providing horses and ponies for therapy, achieving goals and general well-being.

Royal Marines veteran, Cpl Nigel 'Bungy' Williams suffered a brain injury as a result of a severe car crash near the commando training centre in Lympstone.

The road to recovery has been long but it was the incentive of getting back on a horse that motivated Cpl Williams:

"I spent 18 months in a coma, seven years in a wheelchair and all I could do was eat, I was round. But I was told, lose enough weight and I could get back on a horse. I have now been told I can ride again, first time in 10 years. I'm looking forward to it."

The stables are hoping to raise funds in the coming months to get their own horse box so they can take the healing power of horses elsewhere in the west country.

With thanks to Royal Navy photographers L Phot Gaunt & L Phot Nixon