Poole care home resident reunites with horses

A care home in Poole has made a former equine trainer’s wish come true.

When team members at Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road in Broadstone, learned that resident Christine Ross wanted to be reunited with horses, they were determined to make it happen.

 

Working with East Holton Driving Centre, the home’s team giddied up and took her on a memorable afternoon. After a tour of the stable, Christine met David and William, working horses who were more than happy to be the ‘mane’ event as she brushed, fed and cuddled them to her heart’s content.

The team at the driving centre also arranged tea, cake and carrots for Christine and the horses to enjoy together as they trotted down memory lane. 

Christine said: “I had the most wonderful day. Horses are incredibly powerful animals, and when they trust you, that special bond is formed”

Christine’s love for horses ignited in her 20s when she opened her own farm – Blackbarn in Verwood – and bought her first horses, Limeguard Fennel (Fenny) and Billy Bag Baggins.

She and Billy won gold together in a competition in 1991, and the stallion even caught royal attention when Queen Elizabeth II’s team approached to sire a foal with one of their prized mares. Sadly, when the day came, Billy decided he didn’t fancy fatherhood and dragged the Queen’s representative around the field – a moment Christine remembers vividly to this day!

Christine also worked at a riding school for the disabled, helping people with mobility issues get in the saddle and enjoy the company of horses. 

Christine’s special visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their dreams forward and allow them to reconnect with a past career or hobby or try something completely new.

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “It was great to see Christine reconnect with her passion for horses, and she loved being able to pet, feed and spend time with David and William. 

“At The Potteries, we love to support residents’ wellbeing with trips that are important to them, especially those that encourage reminiscence. Activities that bring back happy memories, such as our stable visit, are incredibly beneficial for older people as they give them an opportunity to reconnect with their past achievements and experiences. 

“I would like to extend a big thank you to the team at East Holton Driving Centre for welcoming Christine back – she was truly in her element and has not stopped smiling since.”

The Potteries offers full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives in a luxury environment, and also boasts plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.