Not foal-ing around – Chingford care home resident’s wish to ride again made a reality

A resident at a care home in Chingford was delighted when her wish to rekindle her love for horse riding was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Ivy Grove, on Hatch Lane, learned that 78-year-old Christine Jones was an avid horse rider in her youth and was keen to get back in the saddle, they were determined to make her dream come true. 

Christine began riding aged just 21 years old. Passionate about horses, Christine spent her young adult years horse riding in Hyde Park, where she would often spend Sunday afternoons riding around with her friends. 

To help Christine fulfil her wish, the team organised a visit to Trent Park Equestrian Centre, in Oakwood, London. Christine was able to ride 20-year-old Bella, a prior bore mare. 

Speaking about the experience, Christine said: “I loved every bit – being on a horse again was a dream come true. Bella is a beautiful horse, and horse riding is a brilliant way to spend a day. I want to say thank you again to Joanna, my instructor for the day – I hope I can come back again to ride with Bella!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Alexander Bragg, General Manager at Ivy Grove, said: “Christine loves to talk about the weekends she spent riding when she was younger, so when she shared that her biggest dream was to give it a go again, the team knew they had to make it happen. 

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Christine had a wonderful time meeting Bella and the other horses – she hasn’t stopped smiling since and is already talking about going back.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Ivy Grove and Trent Park Equestrian Centre for a fantastic day and for making Christine’s wish come true!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ivy Grove incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among residents.

To find out more about Ivy Grove or to book your place on the talk, please call April Jones, Home Admissions Advisor on 020 3797 0198, email april.jones@careuk.com or visit: careuk.com/care-homes/rush-hill-mews