Perthshire youngster Jack McNaughton made the most of Monday’s sunshine with some four-legged therapy.
The fun-loving three-year-old, who could not even wiggle his toes four months ago, saddled up at Glenfarg Riding School and trotted around the paddock like a pro.
Jack, who suffers from cerebral palsy, underwent major surgery in the United States back in November in a bid to take his first steps. Despite his doctor’s predictions, he is already tearing around his Almondbank home with the help of a specialised walker and can support himself on parallel bars.
He began horseriding at the start of the year and mum Stacy (25) said it is helping to develop his core strength.
“Everyone has been amazed at how well he has taken to it,” she told The Courier. “He sits so tall and proud on his horse, who he loves to bits. It’s a really good exercise for his core muscles and fun, too.
“To think it’s only a few months since the op is amazing, he really has come on leaps and bounds.”
Stacy added that Jack has been making lots of new friends at Luncarty Nursery.
“It was a dream of ours that he could play just like any other boy or girl and it has come true. We can’t wait until he can do it without the walker.”
The local community raised more than £75,000 to pay for the US surgery, specialist equipment and follow-up treatment. Jack’s story has inspired Carnoustie couple Frazer Hirsch and Averil Fleming to raise funds to send their two-year-old twins Ayley and Chloe, who have cerebral palsy, to Missouri Children’s Hospital for surgery.