Therapy pony makes festive visit to care home

Care home residents, their families, and staff received a festive visit from Secret the therapy pony.

The miniature Shetland pony and her handler Selina, from the Ramblers Riding Club in Leigh-on-Sea, visited Rawreth Court in Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, yesterday (Wednesday 18 December).

Activity co-ordinator Kim Maxwell said: “The visit was lovely and she’s so gentle that the residents can stroke her. They are always amazed by having a pony in the home.”

Pet therapy sessions have been proven to have many benefits for mental health and help people to feel calm, provide comfort and help soothe emotions, reduce boredom, lower anxiety levels and bridge communication gaps.

The Trust is grateful to volunteers and organisations such as Ramblers Riding Club and Essex Therapy Dogs for holding pet therapy sessions with patients at our care homes and mental health wards across Essex.