87-year-old Weybridge care home resident reins in a dream birthday

An 87-year-old resident at a care home in Weybridge has marked her birthday by reconnecting with a lifelong love of horses.

Deanna Breytenbach, who lives at Care UK’s Norfolk House, on Portmore Park Road, was treated to a visit to the South Weylands Equestrian Centre in Hersham to celebrate turning 87 – an experience that brought cherished memories trotting back.

Deanna met the equestrian residents, learned more about their care and enjoyed plenty of time up close with the horses. 

Deanna said: “Spending time with the horses was such a special experience for me. Being close to them again brought back so many happy memories from my younger days in South Africa. It felt peaceful and comforting, like reconnecting with a part of myself I’d almost forgotten. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.” 

Originally from South Africa, Deanna’s love of horses began at a very young age. Growing up, she used to visit a friend’s farm during the school holidays and was loaned a black stallion horse to ride.

Deanna’s fondest memories are of her and her friend taking the horses hacking up the Drakensburg Mountains during the school holidays – the highest part of the Great Escarpment in Southern Africa, rising over 3,400 meters.

Following her passion, she attended a riding school in Barclay East, Eastern Cape Province, when she was a child.

Deanna added: “I found myself thinking about the black stallion I used to ride. Being out in the mountains was unforgettable – the quiet all around us. It was one of the happiest times of my life, and those memories still mean so much to me.”

Deanna’s birthday experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Sabu Prothasis, Home Manager at Norfolk House, said: “Birthdays are incredibly important to us here at Norfolk House, and celebrating Deanna’s 87^th was a wonderful opportunity to bring a very special part of her past back to life.

“When we heard her stories about riding horses in South Africa, it was clear how much those memories still meant to her, and we wanted to recreate that sense of connection in a meaningful way.

“Animal‑based experiences can be hugely beneficial for older people, offering comfort, stimulation and emotional reassurance. Seeing how relaxed and joyful Deanna was during the visit showed just how powerful these moments can be for mental wellbeing.”

Norfolk House care home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobbies and leisure activities and offers the highest standards of care, including residential, nursing and dementia care.