Residents at Hampton Grange Nursing Home in Hereford run by Rotherwood Healthcare were visited by two horses recently. The horses, Lou and Mulberry are owned by Healthcare Assistant at the home Lisa. The residents were able to watch and interact with the horses through the windows of the home. The horses came right up to the windows to see the residents.

Manager, Dan Bridges, said ‘Pet therapy is a massive thing in mental health and wellbeing so having the opportunity to provide our residents with this type of interaction has been wonderful. One of our residents in particular, Carol, really enjoyed the experience!’

Hereford Times:

In the home they have dog and cat toys that replicate this kind of therapy by giving the illusion that they are breathing. Residents are able to sit and cuddle and stroke the toys as if it were a real pet and gain some of the benefits they bring. Many of them have lived their life with pets and aren’t able to live with them in the nursing home. Having these toys are the next best thing. Many family members of residents have taken on their loved one’s pets and regularly send in pictures and cards from them and even visit when possible.

Residents at Hampton Grange and Gwen Walford Nursing Homes have a really big interest in horses in general and have also been enjoying watching the horseracing and putting dummy bets on who will win. Residents each chose a horse and the home provided trophies to the winners. They made a real day of it with food and games to go along with the races.

Hereford Times:

At Cheltenham, Colin won the first race with his horse Quilixios, Margaret's pony Belfast Banter, belted in with a win for the second race. Audrey's horse Vanillier got lucky in the third race and Hazel's Manilla Indo won the Gold Cup by a nose. Finally, Josie took a win with Porlock Bay, celebrating with a cocktail! A great way to celebrate indeed!