RESIDENTS at Hastings Care Home, Barnards Green, enjoyed horsing around when they were treated to a visit by a pony from the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
Tickle, a miniature Shetland pony, trotted into the home and became the centre of attention and spent the afternoon being petted by the home’s residents.
Because of his small size, Tickle was able to visit residents on all floors of the home, taking the lift to save his legs.
Tickle is one of many miniature Shetland ponies at the foundation, a charity dedicated to providing disabled and terminally-ill children with equipment and therapeutic activities. The ponies usually visit children’s hospices and day centres, but make special visits to care homes when they are in the area.
Anne Cartwright, aged 91, said: “It makes me feel so happy when I see the ponies.”
Ann Thompson, 92, said: “It's really nice to have the ponies come and visit.
“It’s something different and livens up the day.”
Home manager Sue Milward said: “Our residents absolutely love receiving visits from our four-legged friends from Phoenix and their eyes light up as soon as they see the ponies.”
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