HORSES at an animal sanctuary are to benefit from a state-of-the-art massaging machine that can also be used on their disabled riders.

The animals at Lords House Farm, Rishton, regularly suffer from strained backs because the youngsters who ride them often have balance problems.

The uneven distribution of weight can aggravate an animal's muscles and even cause lameness.

The new Cycloid massage system is made of three components that help ease muscular tension.

A large massaging pad is placed across the horse's back, another goes across the rump and a hand-held device can be used on the leg and neck areas.

This smaller device can also be used on the children who attend the Wilpshire Road centre, which provides horse riding and animal assisted therapy for disabled youngsters from across East Lancashire.

The centre has 14 horses that are involved in regular riding sessions.

Kath Thacker, volunteer activity co-ordinator at Lords House Farm, said: "The machine means we can ensure the horses' fitness and that they do not go lame from the unbalanced pressures put on their backs.

"We can also use it on the children. They are often very tense before they get on a horse and previously we have had to help them on and their legs would be around the animal's neck until they started to relax.

"The massager relaxes them before they even get on the horse and stops any discomfort."

The £2,800 device was donated by Niagara Equis-sage, which specialises in horse healthcare.

Kath said: "One of their workers used to be an instructor here so she knows the problems we face, especially as we are a charity.

"We are extremely grateful. Now that we have the massager we will not need to rest the horses quite so much, and they will be much healthier."

For more details about Lords House Farm visit www.lordshousefarm.co.uk or call 01254 877400.