Horsing Around with Therapy Ponies

There was a bit of horsing around at our home recently when we welcomed some extra special four-legged visitors.

Our residents were recently visited by miniature Shetland ponies Applejack and Flicker from West-Lothian based Therapy Ponies Scotland.

Founded by husband and wife John and Elaine Sangster in 2015, the organisation’s team of specially-trained equines make regular therapeutic visits to a variety of settings such as care homes, nursing homes, hospices and hospitals the length and breadth of Scotland.

Commenting on the success of the visit, our Director of Care Kristin Jackson-Brown said: “It was the organisation’s first visit to Rubislaw Park and unbridled excitement awaited the enthusiastic equines!"

“Providing a stimulating and interesting environment for all of our residents lies at the heart of what we do, so these exciting visits were much-anticipated occasions for staff and residents at our home."

“It is important to ensure we constantly add new things to our already busy calendar of events, and this was an excellent and unusual way of growing the breadth of activities that we offer at our home.”

Elaine Sangster of Therapy Ponies Scotland added: “Our work with the ponies is based on the love we have for ponies, and the trust they have in us.  We spend a few days getting them ready for a visit so they arrive immaculately clean and gorgeous to touch and cuddle. 

“We feel that everyone who meets our tiny ponies benefits from the special therapy they provide.  As soon as they enter a room, the atmosphere is electric with a buzz of joy and happiness.”

Take a look at some more of our photos here.