Miniature ponies visit residents at Larkland House

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Jan 10, 2014

In January, residents at Larkland House enjoyed a western-themed day, complete with a visit from the delightful K & L miniature therapy ponies.  Residents also enjoyed a tasty ranch-style lunch to complete the experience.

Pony therapy is known to have a positive effect upon people suffering from poor mobility, poor co-ordination, those who are partially sighted or those suffering from depression.  It has also been noted by healthcare professionals as a positive therapy to aid in the reminiscence and communications of dementia sufferers.

Katy, who runs K & L Ponies, brought along four of her miniature ponies to Larkland House and spent the day enabling every resident to enjoy some hands-on therapy - they even visited residents in their rooms, resting their head on the bed or in the residents’ laps!

Katy explained:  “It’s very interactive, tactile and soothing, calming positive therapy with huge benefits for the individuals receiving the contact therapy with my miniature horses.”

Activities Co-ordinator, Annie Harop commented that the interaction between the ponies and some of the residents was remarkable and in particular they were a big hit in the dementia unit.

Resident, Joyce Spence said how nice it was to see the gentle creatures and that they were especially nice to people who were in wheelchairs.

The visit proved a positive experience for everybody at Larkland House.