Leigh MP brings Icelandic therapy horse to Parliament to highlight support for neurodivergent children
A Leigh MP was part of a demonstration in Parliament that welcomed a special guest to highlight growing interest in animals to support wellbeing.
Member for Leigh and Atherton Jo Platt helped bring an Icelandic horse to the House of Commons.
Prestur, a gentle and intuitive animal known for his remarkable ability to connect with neurodivergent children and adults, was part of an event held at the Speaker’s Court, which highlighted the growing interest in animal assisted and community based approaches that support wellbeing, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Born in Iceland in 2009, Pastur is a gold-medal-winner who shone at the 2017 Icelandic World Championships in the Netherlands.
Since moving to England, he’s become a charming ambassador for his breed, delighting children and adults alike through demonstrations, camps, and even a visit to the Senedd.
The demonstration was followed by an evening Parliamentary Roundtable exploring the day’s themes and the importance of widening access to supportive environments beyond clinical settings.
The sequence of events was hosted by the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on ADHD, Ms Platt, alongside fellow MP Ruth Jones.
ADHD impacts around five per cent of children worldwide and three per cent of adults.
Its impact extends beyond core symptoms, often involving sensory differences, interoceptive challenges, and emotional dysregulation - areas where supportive environments can make a meaningful difference.
Ms Platt said: “ADHD is still too often misunderstood and is sometimes framed only in medical terms.
“This event has shown the power of community, connection, and creativity.
"Whether through animals, sport, peer networks, or inclusive spaces, people thrive when they feel understood and supported.
"Events like this remind us that wellbeing isn’t only shaped in clinics, it’s shaped in relationships, environments, and the everyday moments that help people feel safe and valued.
"It is encouraging that the Government recognises the need for tailored support and inclusive environments, but we must go further.
"We need more research into ADHD, greater collaboration, and the courage to rethink outdated assumptions.”
Prestur drew a large turn-out of MPs, Peers, and parliamentary staff. Many described the experience as uplifting, with several noting the immediate sense of calm and connection.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Icelandic Ambassador, Sturla Sigurjónsson, were among those who attended, reflecting the high level of interest in the event.
The event was made possible through the support of Ann, Prestur’s owner; Peter Heathcote; Ms Platt and her team; Ms Jones and her team; and Sarah from Autism Angels, who provided expert insight on equine-assisted inclusion. Ms Jones said: "It was fantastic to welcome Prestur the Icelandic Horse to Westminster, and it was even better to see and hear so many people say how much calmer and more relaxed they felt after just a few minutes with him.
"The whole event was a great opportunity for us to learn about the challenges those with neurodivergence face each day, and I was fortunate enough to hear from some of those prominent campaigners during a meeting later on in the day."
Research into animal-assisted interventions, including equine and canine-supported programmes, suggests potential benefits for emotional regulation, confidence-building, stress reduction, and social connection. While the evidence base continues to grow, the demonstration reflected that gentle, responsive animals can help people feel calm, grounded, and understood.