Patrick the Pony, ‘Mayor’ of Cockington Visits The Lodge

It was a very special day for all concerned on April 19th when a famous visitor of the four-legged kind visited The Lodge, the Elizabeth Finn care home in Exeter.

Patrick, the miniature pony spent around an hour meeting residents and staff at the care home where he was very well received and impeccably behaved.

The miniature Shetland pony, owned by Kirk and Hannah Petrakis, is so well thought of in his hometown of Cockington that he was made Unofficial Mayor in July last year. Famous at home and abroad for his visits out and about in the region and the pony therapy that he provides in the community at large.

“We were absolutely delighted to meet Patrick during his visit to The Lodge,” comments Care Home General Manager Deborah Skinner. “It was a delight to see the interaction with the residents and the stimulation and discussion this created for quite a while afterwards!”

Pony Therapy refers to horses or ponies that provide psycho-social, emotional and physical benefits for vulnerable people in the community. It has proven to be especially valuable for both the young and the elderly and those with mental or physical disabilities.

Ponies are sensitive creatures with special emotional intelligence and because of their size, miniature ponies provide a non-threatening experience that can really make a difference.

As well as bringing joy to many, Patrick has raised thousands of pounds for equine charities, is official mascot of The War Horse Memorial and the Devon Recovery Learning Community and is involved with the Purple Poppy Appeal.