From the archives: This story was last updated in April 2019.
Interaction between animals and humans is well known, but the bonding between a boy and this horse is out of the ordinary—it’s simply remarkable.The little Erez, from Israel, suffers from Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that can affect development in many parts of the body and that often causes learning and intellectual disabilities.
He was just 4 years old when this video was filmed.
Erez has problems interacting with others. In the video, we see Erez approaching a new horse, and the way this equine friend reacts is truly touching.
His mother, Roni Nili Abdu, who has had experience working with horses for 15 years, realized this interaction was something special.
“The horse followed every movement of the child, yet allowed the child to approach and contact him.”
As the horse gently approached Erez, it was aware of his every move and allowed the boy to come close and touch and hug his huge legs, reaching down to nuzzle Erez.
“When the boy hugged his leg and was close to him, the horse didn’t dare to change the angle it was standing, as if afraid to hurt him or step on the child the whole time the child was close to him,” said Roni.
The video shared on the Facebook page of The Jewish Standard has garnered much praise from social media users.
“Williams children are angels of love and one of them is my dear son, Erez,” Roni said.
“This is dedicated to you my boy, the boy who changed my life and made my world forever. Love you.”
