Miniature horse being trained in Yorkshire to become UK's first 'guide horse'

A miniature horse is being trained in North Yorkshire to provide people who are visually impaired an alternative to guide dogs.

Seven-week-old Digby is being trained by Katy Smith at a centre in Northallerton. Her other miniature horses attend care homes to offer therapy to older people.

It is hoped he can offer mobility assistance and help with a range of household tasks, from emptying the washing machine to using a dishcloth to clean work surfaces.

Ms Smith believes guide horses could be useful to visually impaired people who are allergic to dogs but not horses.

In America, the Guide Horse Foundation argues that horses are more appropriate for guiding work because they live longer than dogs.

American miniature horses such as Digby have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years compared to the 10 to 14 years life expectancy of a Labrador.