How Patrick the pony gave Kirk a lifeline to happiness

Patrick the Pony has probably become more famous than owner Kirk Petrakis.
Patrick, the former pony-in-residence at Cockington where he is the self-proclaimed 'mayor' there, has become a friend to many - a champion of war veterans, therapeutic visitor to the ill, frail and elderly and subject for a children's book.
But behind every good Shetland pony is a good man - and Kirk's story is remarkable and highlights just how important animals can be when us humans are at our lowest ebb,
Kirk reveals how he was abused and bullied as a child with hardly a smile in those younger years. But now Patrick has made him - and hundreds of others - smile again.
Kirk says: “I don’t often talk about my life, but wow, it’s been a difficult one from the beginning, born 1977 at Torbay Hospital and from the start I had a really difficult journey.
“My dad was alcoholic and was horrible to me. I used to find some comfort in talking to animals about my problems as I did not trust people. One of the worst things my dad used to say is 'you're not my son' ... being disowned felt horrible
“My mum in all this had to go out and work as my dad spent most of his money on alcohol.
“She finally got the courage too split up from my dad. This would be the last time I would ever see him when I was around six or seven. I spent a very long time to recover from how I was treated and being disowned by your father, telling me some day you will die... and the list goes on.
“School was difficult as you can imagine. I found it hard to make friends so ended up being bullied most times. This obviously affected my school work and grades.”
Kirk was told when he was 18 that his dad had died. His mother passed away a few years ago.
He revealed: “I found comfort in talking to animals. My friend in the park was a robin - I used to wish I could fly away with him from all the horrible things in life.”
He explains: “This is one of many reasons why I love working with my best friend Patrick the pony and we have made so many people happy. For me animals are the best therapist. Animals are very therapeutic as they offer company without judgement, they are a distraction, calming. Pony therapy has been known to reduce blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. It can help release endorphins that provide calming effects. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, anxiety and improve overall psychological state.”
He believes: “Horses definitely have helped me to be able to visit more places, as after my brain haemorrhage a few years ago, I found it very difficult going to places like the beach or remote locations, as I was always worried it could happen again, or having a stroke, as I am at high risk.”
Most importantly, Kirk says: “When I was a child I hardly ever smiled but look at me now and the picture of myself and Patrick now.”