Children with special needs and their families received a special treat Tuesday by trying out pony therapy.

The program allows the children a chance to escape from their normal routines and issues and just relax.

"A lot of the kids have developmental problems it makes them hard to do the things that we take for granted,” says Stephen Percy, of Hackensack Medical Center. “For them and be able to come out and relax and enjoy themselves it's an opportunity to forget about the challenges they face on a daily basis.”

Percy says the program also allows children to work on things like balance, strength and core muscle development.

About 11 children and their families participated in the session. They also learned about farming and beekeeping.