Ponies visit The Lawns care home for animal therapy session

Two ponies made a surprise appearance at The Lawns Bupa Care Home  this week for an animal therapy session with residents.

The afternoon was organised by the care home’s Activity Co-ordinator, Chloe Holley, alongside Pixie and Pickles Adventures, based in Hertfordshire. The pony therapy company, which is known for its high-quality animal welfare standards, visited with two four-legged friends, Romeo and Charlie.

The residents met the ponies in the lounge and were given the opportunity to pet and groom them whilst learning about their lives on the yard. There was also an opportunity for residents to be visited in their rooms for one-to-one therapy sessions.

One resident, Dennis Hudson, aged 98, commented: “I had a wonderful afternoon with Romeo and Charlie, it was very interesting to learn all about them. I found them very calming, and it was lovely to stroke them.”

Another resident, Slyvia Turp, aged 95, added: “The ponies were beautiful, they came to visit me in my room which was very special. They brought back many memories of when I use to ride horses at an equestrian club, I do hope they come again soon!”

Christine Jennings, Home Manager at The Lawns, said: “It was a lovely afternoon with Pixie and Pickles Adventure. They have visited us before and always bring a smile to our residents’ faces. Our residents who were visited in their rooms were over the moon to have seen the beautiful ponies. Animal therapy sessions are well-known for reducing stress and bringing a sense of calm to older generations, which was clear to see on our residents’ faces. We are looking forward to welcoming them back for more sessions very soon.”

Residents at The Lawns are looking forward to more visits from Romeo and Charlie in the coming weeks and months.