Animal therapy at Ferndown care home

Residents at a Ferndown care home were delighted to meet a two-foot-tall horse recently.

Fairlawn at St Mary’s Road welcomed Kelloggs the mini horse from Linking Hearts Therapy Horses which is run by Megan Gledhill, and her mum Sharon.

Resident Betty 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.”

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.”