TODDLERS enjoyed meeting some special equine visitors to celebrate the Chinese year of the horse.

Staff from Alderholt Riding Stables brought Welsh pony Reggie and New Forest pony Smurf to meet the children at Alderholt Sunbeams Pre-school.

Nursery manager Angela Hibberd said: “This is the Chinese year of the horse and the ponies visited Sunbeams so that the children could find out more about horses.

“The children of Sunbeams have been taking part in many activities linked to Chinese New Year traditions.

“They have listened to stories about Nian, a monster from Chinese mythology,and made spring rolls and lucky red envelops. Parents were also invited to watch the children perform a Dragon dance and then share Chinese food with the children at snack time.”