Horsing Around At Stratton Court As Four Legged Visitor Steals The Show

Residents at Stratton Court Care Home in Cirencester were treated to a rather unusual visitor recently, when Daisy, a miniature therapy pony from Dinky Ponies, trotted into the home to deliver a little happiness, and a lot of horse-power.

But this wasn’t your usual pony visit in the garden. Daisy had other ideas.

Instead of staying outside, the diminutive equine visitor made herself at home in the care home’s lounge, where residents were delighted to meet her. And, clearly enjoying her new surroundings, Daisy then went one step further, making her way around the home to visit residents in their own rooms.

The unexpected room calls prompted plenty of smiles, laughter and a few moments of disbelief, as residents found themselves sharing their personal space with a rather special four-legged visitor.

Dinky Ponies is a team of miniature Shetland therapy ponies, providing equine-assisted therapy and enrichment visits to care homes, hospitals, schools and other settings across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Their small stature makes them particularly well suited to indoor visits, allowing them to reach people who might otherwise miss out on meeting the animals.

The visit was organised by Stratton Court Activities Coordinator Amelie Whitehead and Registered Manager Jared Mein, who wanted to introduce something a little different to the home’s activities programme and raise residents’ spirits.

Jared said: “We thought we’d arrange a little pony therapy to brighten everyone’s day, but Daisy certainly took things to another level! We expected a visit in the lounge, but she clearly had a different itinerary in mind and decided to make her own rounds.

“She was an absolute star, trotting from room to room and making sure nobody missed out. There were some wonderful reactions, plenty of laughter and a few double-takes along the way. It’s fair to say she was the mane attraction.

“At Stratton Court, we’re always looking for ways to bring new experiences into the home. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference, and Daisy certainly proved that. She may be a miniature pony, but she made a huge impression. We’d certainly welcome her back – although next time we might have to ask her to leave her hoofprints at reception.”