‘Neigh’ Bother For Care Home Residents As Mini Horse Trots In For Animal Therapy

Care home residents were thrilled to be greeted by a two-foot-tall mini horse which came to provide some animal therapy.

Fairlawn care home on St Mary’s Road welcomed Kelloggs the mini horse from Linking Hearts Therapy Horses to visit the residents in their individual bedrooms and communal lounges across all floors of the home. Megan Gledhill, who runs Linking Hearts Therapy Horses with her mum, Sharon, brought Kellogg’s the mini horse in to visit the residents as part of the home’s varied activities programme.

Betty, who lives at Fairlawn, said: “I love horses as I’ve previously ridden a friend’s horse. Kelloggs is a real sweetheart. He was lovely and so obedient.”

Iris, who also lives at Fairlawn, said: “It was wonderful to see him. He was gorgeous and very easy going.”

Ray, another Fairlawn resident, said: “I love animals. It was lovely to meet Kelloggs.”

The Linking Hearts Therapy Horses have visited many of Care South’s care homes based across Dorset. Equine therapy is believed to bring a host of benefits including physical and mental health, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, promoting conversation and boosting social connections.

Tina Vincent, Home Manager at Fairlawn care home, said: “It’s incredible to see that animals can bring back so many memories to our residents of their own pets and visits to farms with their families. There’s something universal about the love that animals give which brings a smile to the residents’ faces, so we are always keen to welcome some four-legged friends to the home as part of our varied weekly programme of activities.”