Gazza: Facing his demons with New Age horse therapyGazza: Facing his demons with New Age horse therapy

FALLEN footie idol Paul Gascoigne is trying to rein in his drink and drug demons by talking to HORSES.

Gazza, 41, has joined a pioneering rehab programme known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Addicts who struggle to deal with other people are able to re-learn social skills by spending time with horses, New Age therapists claim.

Ex-Spurs, Newcastle and England ace Gazza has been cut off from the outside world during his Ł2,000-a-week treatment. Bosses at the specialist Stepps rehab centre took away his mobile and banned him from reading papers.

Gazza was taken to the secluded clinic in countryside near Minsterworth, Gloucs, last week.

He is set to spend a month there before going for a second phase of treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic, set up by Portsmouth boss and reformed alcoholic Tony Adams.

Friends fear it is Gazza’s last hope after he spiralled into booze-fuelled despair and mounting debt.

Gentle

The star has lurched from one disaster to the next since his eyewatering encounter with rival Vinnie Jones in 1988.

One pal said: �Paul has been through rehab at places like The Priory, but has always gone back to his self-destructive ways. He knows this may be his last chance.

�Other addicts swear by horse therapy, which gently builds confidence and self-esteem. Paul’s a gentle soul deep down and this could be perfect for him.�

Gazza’s latest rehab was arranged by girlfriend Sally Mulholland, 44, after he suffered mystery wrist injuries.

The Geordie star will spend most of his time standing next to the horses rather than riding them. He will talk to them, stroke and pat them.

Gazza, who has blown a Ł14million fortune, narrowly avoided bankruptcy by paying a Ł215,000 tax bill last week.

It is believed friends are helping fund his treatment.

Source: thesun.co.uk