Friendly ponies quickly win the hearts of residents at Lanarkshire care home

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Residents at a care home in Wishaw got a pleasant surprise when a couple of beautiful ponies trotted into their communal living room recently.Local equestrian service Therapy Ponies Scotland brought the ponies, Wilson and Flicker, to visit the residents living at Beechwood Care Home in Bridge Street as part of an equine therapy session.Following the initial shock of finding them in their home, the ponies quickly won the hearts of both residents and staff with their mellow temperament, as they rested their heads on laps and received plenty of attention.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Animal therapy is a proven way to improve wellbeing and socialisation amongst the elderly, as it stimulates memory and releases endorphins.Beechwood, part of the Holmes Care Group, involves animal therapy sessions in an extensive activity programme designed to ensure the health and happiness of all residents.Beechwood resident Cathy Hillock said: “I loved spending the day with my new friends Wilson and Flicker!

I sang them a special song from my childhood, and told them they were beautiful.”Cathy Togneri, manager at Beechwood, added: “Meeting the ponies was a great experience for the residents and staff!

Everyone had a smile on their face, and we would love to welcome them back soon.”