New neigh-bours: pony pair trot into Stockport care home

Residents at a care home in Stockport have been foaling around with some unusual four-legged guests to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Care UK’s Ladybrook Manor, on Dairyground Road in Bramhall, added Shetland ponies Tullah and Tinkerbell to its guest list for an afternoon of animal therapy to mark the year of the horse. 

The ponies from Simply Shetlands met every resident in the home, enjoying plenty of fruit, cuddles and affection along the way.

Residents also enjoyed learning about the history of Shetland ponies and what their preferred food and environment is.

Resident, Hugh Ried, age 95, said: “Seeing the ponies was wonderful and really lifted my spirits. It made my 95th birthday feel even more special and memorable. I especially enjoyed being able to see them up close and spend a bit of time with them – it was a lovely surprise.”

Susan Cameron, Home Manager at Ladybrook Manor, added: “It was such an exciting afternoon. It was wonderful to see the smiles on residents’ faces as the ponies strutted their way into the home and created special memories.

“Being in the company of animals has proven therapeutic benefits for older people, particularly for those living with dementia, as it can reduce anxiety, release calming endorphins and decrease feelings of loneliness.

“We look forward to welcoming more animals of all shapes and sizes in the future as they certainly bring a lot of joy and comfort to everyone’s hearts!”

Ladybrook Manor provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and rewarding lives, while also promoting independence, the home has its own couple’s suites, café and hair and beauty salon. The building is configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.