Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam is expanding its healing programs that utilize the bond between horses and people.
On August 23, the Korea Racing Authority announced that two miniature ponies, 'Kkamangi' and 'Ddoi,' have recently received certification as 'therapy animals' from the Korean Association of Animal-Assisted Therapy. This marks the first time animals affiliated with the Korea Racing Authority have achieved this certification.
Therapy animals undergo a selection, training, and evaluation process to be used in animal-assisted therapy. They help users achieve emotional stability and physical development under the guidance of animal-assisted therapy counselors.
Kkamangi and Ddoi passed three assessments: an aggression evaluation to check their reactions to physical contact and sudden movements, a sociability assessment to evaluate their friendliness towards people and other animals, and a suitability assessment to determine their adaptability to training.
Before being deployed, they underwent 3 to 4 months of taming training. The two ponies have participated in horse therapy and parenting-friendly programs at Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam, interacting with over 4,300 visitors from last year until July of this year.
A representative from the Korea Racing Authority stated, "Horses that are uncomfortable with human contact cannot be involved in interaction activities. The official certification verifies the horses' temperaments, which is significant for creating a safe healing environment."
Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam plans to utilize Kkamangi and Ddoi in horse-assisted therapy programs for users with physical disabilities, developmental disorders, and mental health issues, while also expanding related social contribution activities.
Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam will hold a photo contest titled 'Capture the Race' in conjunction with the '3rd Gangseo District Mayor's Cup' race on September 11.
Participants can register until September 2, and anyone interested in photography and horses can join using personal cameras or smartphones. Among those who wish to take close-up shots, 10 will be selected by lottery to photograph the race from a designated area near the finish line. Other participants will be able to take photos from areas near the podium.
Each participant may submit one entry, which will be judged based on theme relevance, quality, and dynamism. Two winners will receive framed photos of their winning shots along with autographs from the winning jockey on the day of the event.
Previously, Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam operated the 'SUN Water Festival' for a total of 13 days from July 4 to August 17, primarily on weekends.
This year, new attractions included snowman climbing, bubble pools, and fountain tunnels, with an admission fee of 5,000 won. Let's Run Park officials stated that the event was organized as a program for family visitors during the summer.
A representative from Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam remarked, "We will continue to create fun programs for a diverse audience, striving to establish ourselves as a go-to destination for everyone."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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