Bringing the Joy of Ponies to our Scottish Homes
Kisses for the team.
It was our absolute pleasure to welcome Shetland ponies into our shared home communities this month and offer the unique chance for our residents to pet and interact with these wonderful animals in the comfort of their home.
Founded by John and Elaine Sangster in 2015, Therapy Ponies Scotland provides therapeutic visits across care homes, hospices and hospitals throughout Scotland. These gentle Shetland ponies are trained to offer comfort, companionship and lots of smiles.
Our residents enjoyed cuddling Flicker and Wilson and taking them for walks around the halls. At Benholm care home in Forfar, a resident's face lit up when Wilson trotted over and gently rested its head on her lap. The ponies created such a warm atmosphere in our homes, with quiet chattering between one another as John and Elaine taught us all about these special animals and how pet therapy is so important. Not only does it encourage social interaction among our residents, but it can also offer shared feelings of joy, connection and promote new experiences together as a group. Research into pet therapy shows how the emotional support can alleviate feelings of loneliness and stress, help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Cuddling animals is also a great way to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and reducing anxiety.
Alex, a resident at Cumbernauld nursing home, had a special experience himself. Sitting in his wheelchair, he was pulled down the hallway by one of the ponies (fashioning the cutest pony trainers). Alex’s face was the picture of happiness, wonderfully capturing the magic visits like these bring.
The residents weren’t the only ones who loved having the ponies around. Our team all shared a cuddle and at Cumbernauld Care, our care home in Cumbernauld, even the workman who are working on the new rooms upstairs, came down to see what all the fuss was about. Animal therapy has a special way of bringing us all together, bringing joy and comfort to everyone in shared home community.
Wellbeing Lead Kim, who organised the visit at Cumbernauld Care said:
"It was astonishing how the ponies impacted the atmosphere in the home.”
With Christmas around the corner, the visit brought the magic and connection we all enjoy this time of year. We’re always looking for ways to create meaningful and memorable moments that reflects Each Other Care's commitment to building relationships, bringing light-hearted moments and supporting one another authentically.
A big thank you to Therapy Ponies Scotland for a such wonderful experience at Benholm care home Forfar and Cumbernauld care home. It will stay with us for a long time.
For a window into all the wonderful things we’ve been up to this Christmas, please follow us on Facebook:
Follow Benholm care home in Forfar here.
Follow Cumbernauld care, our nursing home in Cumbernauld here.