Therapy Horse Brings Delight to Care Home Residents

11th April 2023
Summer the therapy horse with residents at Newcroft Lodge Care Home in Holywood

Residents at Newcroft Lodge Care Home in Holywood were treated to a very special visit from “Summer” the therapy horse recently, to brighten their day.

Summer showed off some of her many talents for the crowd, performing her favourite tricks; including going down on one knee to bow, eating carrots very gently from the residents hands, letting them brush her hair and giving hugs.

The very talented miniature horse has a very calm demeanour and is specially trained to provide comfort and emotional support to people dealing with physical, mental and emotional challenges.

Care Home Manager, Sam McMahon was delighted to witness the wonderful affect Summer had on the residents and said, “This was a special time for our residents, who were chatting about Summer long after she had left the building. It triggered many happy memories for some who were reminiscing about when they were growing up and the horses that family members had kept, even the staff enjoyed meeting Summer and one particular staff member remarked that it had “made her day” to meet Summer. The visit was truly worthwhile and a further visit is being planned in the not too distant future.”