Kesteven Rideability welcomes care home residents for tea with a pony session

Horses kept care home residents company as they took part in a Tea With A Pony session.

The visitors were welcomed to Kesteven Rideability with smiles, tea and homemade cake, before meeting the ponies.

Riding for the Disabled Association, which provides equestrian activities for disabled people, launched Tea With A Pony in 2021 at the Hough On The Hill centre.

Focusing on multi-sensory experiences, it gives the chance to meet horses and ponies in a safe and secure environment.

The sessions, supported by the Postcode Lottery, typically involve tea and cake followed by watching a riding lesson or having an opportunity to stroke or brush the ponies.

Residents of Newton House Care Home, Grantham, took part in the first ­Tea With A Pony session of the year for Kesteven Rideability following the winter break.

“Kesteven Rideability is delighted to welcome back our three care homes after the winter break,” said chairman Karen Thompson.

“These sessions give everyone such pleasure ­— the participants, volunteers and horses. A chance to relax and share memories while enjoying the tranquillity of the Lincolnshire countryside.”

Residents enjoyed brilliant sunshine and sang Happy Birthday to one of the residents.

One resident, Gillian, said: “This has been the best day ever. I always have so much fun when I’m here.

“We are truly grateful and feel honoured to be part of the Tea With A Pony group at Kesteven Rideability.”

Newton House Care Home said: “The care and kindness that they provide us is outstanding and the volunteers who work there are incredible.”

The importance of such sessions for the residents was expressed by Newton House’s activities co-ordinator, who said: “Horse therapy is such a wonderful activity for the elderly and provides many benefits for them, including providing a non-verbal form of communication, encouraging reminiscence and increased feeling of belonging, self-esteem and wellbeing.”