A new program in Nassau county is helping disabled children build more confidence by learning how to ride horses.

Bethpage Park Stables and Nassau's Police Activity League have been working together to offer horseback riding lessons to children with disabilities since November. The program lets the children come to stables once a week for lessons.

Supporters say the program doesn?t just help build social confidence. They say it improves verbal skills while offering physical and occupational therapy.

Mickie Fanelli of Bethpage Park Stables says the experience is helping some of the children with social interaction. ?The ones who don?t speak ? we?ve got them speaking now a few words here and there,? she said.