Two tiny ponies visit Trowbridge care home

Residents at Trowbridge Oaks Bupa Care Home were delighted to recently welcome Jammy and Sugar – two ponies – to their home.

Trowbridge Oaks’ activities co-ordinator, Beth Powlesland, invited A Million Memories Pony Parties and Therapy to visit the care home. The organisation is a specialised equine therapy group who bring their ponies to visit care homes, schools and hospitals. They are a small business that prioritises the well-being and care of their ponies.

Jammy and Sugar stopped by the shared lounge and residents’ rooms to spend quality time with everyone. The residents loved stroking the dinky duo, with some pleased to have them rest their heads in their lap for a quick rest.

Home Manager at Trowbridge, Linda Watts, said: “Everyone loved meeting the ponies, and were delighted to pet them. The animal providers were fantastic, so knowledgeable and great with our residents.”

Activity coordinator, Beth Powlesland, said: “Our residents love spending time with animals, so we are always looking for different groups to visit. Interaction with animals improves mood and engages our residents, often reminding them of their own animals from when they were younger, while igniting conversation.”

86-year-old Andrew Pearce is a resident at Trowbridge Oaks, he commented: ‘The therapy ponies were so beautiful – wow!”

Another resident, Angela Browning, added: “Oh I loved it, I love animals. I enjoyed watching them go up and down the corridors, I just want to keep them as pets!”

Animal therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression. Spending time with animals can make residents more alert, engaged and ultimately improve their well-being.

Trowbridge Oaks is situated in Trowbridge, Wiltshire and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care, including those living with Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services.