My little guide pony
Mohammed’s joy as Digby leads him on their first shopping trip
THE UK’s first guide horse made his shopping run debut yesterday.
American miniature Digby led Mohammed Salim Patel through the streets and down aisles.
The journalist, 23, has degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa – and a phobia of dogs that rules out a guide dog.
He said: “Being led by Digby is liberating. I know guide dogs do the same but experiencing it through Digby, a companion I will hopefully have for life, it’s the start of something big.”
The pair already have a close bond and trotted out in Northallerton, North Yorks, to test Digby’s progress. Mohammed got the idea from a documentary on guide horses in the US. But he said he was laughed at when he asked agencies about them. Then he met trainer Katy Smith of KL Pony Therapy in Northallerton. He said: “I will have a new life thanks to Katy and Digby.” Katy, 57, is teaching Digby with help from US trainers, police and the British Guide Dogs Association. She said: “Digby is the right one. He has the right attitude and cheeky character.” It will be two years before Digby joins Mohammed in Blackburn, Lancs. They are also working to change legislation so he is treated like guide dogs.