Therapy pony visits Daventry residents living with dementia

The care home had a lovely afternoon meeting Dottie, the 13-year-old miniature Shetland who was accompanied by her owner, Charlotte Cook.

This was Dottie’s first care home visit, and it was as if she knew she needed to be very careful.

Dottie responds well to the emotions of the people around her; she blew everyone away with her sweet, gentle, and somewhat inquisitive nature.

It was lovely to see so many happy reactions and smiles on the residents faces, as well as the staff, as they stroked Dottie’s face, neck, and back, and fed her carrots while she happily enjoyed the fuss.

Dottie went up and down in the lift, making it possible to visit residents on every floor in the home, and even into residents’ private rooms to say hello.

There were tears of happy memories when Dottie’s whiskers and warm breathing from her nostrils touched one of the residents’ hands, bringing back memories of her own horse when she was younger.

Many of the residents wanted their photo taken with Dottie, who now have them printed out and featured pride of place in their rooms.

Dottie is Charlotte’s daughters’ pony, so she is well used to being fussed, pampered and ridden.

Charlotte hopes to take her back to Astley Hall again in the summer for another afternoon of cuddles and smiley faces.

Activity co-ordinator Kirsty Beeson said: “I jumped at the chance to have a visit from Dottie, we already talk about horses with several of our equine veterans during reminiscence.

“I knew it would be a wonderful surprise for them to interact with a pony again.

“Using animals as therapy is so highly recommended in care settings, especially for those who may also be living with dementia.

“The benefits to mental health and general well being is immediately recognisable.

“Dottie is already pride of place in their hearts and we welcome both her and Charlotte back whenever they wish.”