Emotional Reunion For Kathleen As She’s Reunited With Her Beloved Horse

A woman living in a Farringdon care home who had to give up caring for her beloved horse due to dementia, was reunited with her four-legged friend after many years, in an emotional reunion.

Kathleen Barrass, 73, lives at Archers Court Nursing Care Home in Archer Road, Farringdon (near Sunderland) which is part of the Orchard Care Homes group. 

She has been a horse lover all her life, having owned and ridden seven of them. However Kathleen’s dementia diagnosis meant she sadly had to give up caring for Rosie, a Cob.

Thankfully the team at Archers Court never forgot about Kathy’s dream to see Rosie again. They found out where Rosie is now being looked after, and recently surprised Kathy with a visit to see her old friend.

Amy McMahon, Home Administrator at Archers Court, explained: “Kathleen has spoken about her horse ever since she moved into Archers Court and has always said that she remembers where the horse is and she was right – she was able to direct us right to where Rosie was located.”

Now Kathleen enjoys regular visits to see Rosie and the other horses being cared for at Haverley House Farm in Seaham.

It’s clear she is a very valued and loved ex-rider in the Sunderland community as fellow horse riders were ecstatic to see her with her Rosie. One rider, Amanda, said to her: “It’s lovely to see you doing what you are so passionate about again – you are absolutely glowing.”

Kathleen was not the only one who benefited from the visit to see Rosie. Fellow Archer’s Court resident Peter Jefferson, who also cared for horses prior to the onset of dementia, also met Rosie and the other horses at Haverley House. Peter spoke highly of the afternoon out and said jokingly ‘next time we visit, I’m getting on one, letting my hair down and going for a ride.’