NEIGH-BOURHOOD PONY THERAPY VISIT FOR RESIDENTS AT LOCAL CARE HOME

Residents at Pendleton Court care home, Salford, recently enjoyed a therapeutic visit from local pony, Mr Perfect, thanks to the team at KI Pony Therapy.

Everyone at the HC-One owned home was excited to welcome back four-legged friend ‘Mr P’, who was back for his first visit to the home since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therapy animals, including ponies, are proven to have several positive effects on both physical and mental health, with studies showing they help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and improve social isolation too. Pony therapy is especially valuable because ponies have emotional intelligence and often mirror people.

Mr P and his handler Katy Smith, from Kl Pony therapy, visited all the communities in the home, visiting Residents in the lounge and bedrooms – even going in the lift. Residents brushed Mr P’s coat, and enjoyed walking round the lounge with him.

The visit sparked lots of reminiscing among Residents at the home, as they talked about pets and animal encounters they had in the past. Harry Wink shared a story from his time in the Queen’s Guards with his horse ‘Diablo’.

Everyone enjoyed learning about the pony and his stories from visits around other nursing homes.

Gwen Johnson, who lives at Pendleton Court, commented:

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“What a gorgeous creature!”

Wellbeing Coordinator Lesley Moore, commented:

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“Mr P coming today has been a joy to see all the Residents, Relatives and Colleagues happy and smiling. It’s amazing how seeing the animals in the care environment can change someone’s mood in such a positive way.

I noticed that the pony visit has a profound effect on some Residents and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits. It is wonderful to be able to welcome Mr P into our home once more and we’re all already looking forward to his next visit.”