Miniature therapy ponies bring joy to The Tithebarn residents

Residents at The Tithebarn in Liverpool were delighted when two little therapy ponies came to visit. Residents were all smiles when Vinnie and Tommy, two beautiful miniature Shetland ponies, arrived at the Home.

Emily and Jessica Dunne, owners of Mini Moxons, a local company that provides therapeutic and educational visits with miniature ponies, led Vinnie and Tommy all around The Tithebarn so that residents could pet and stroke them. They even stopped off at some residents’ rooms so that they could be introduced.

The benefits of spending time with animals for older people are immense. Research has shown that having something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduced stress. Pets can provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.

The visit also proved to be wonderful for residents with dementia at The Tithebarn, as it helped to spark conversation and reminiscence.

Amber Chislett, Activities Coordinator at The Tithebarn, said:

It was lovely to see the reaction of our residents to the ponies and to see the pleasure they brought. Our residents were able to get very close to both Vinnie and Tommy, which was a particularly joyful experience for everyone!

[Summary: Residents at The Tithebarn in Liverpool were delighted when two little therapy ponies came to visit. Residents were all smiles when Vinnie and Tommy, two beautiful miniature Shetland ponies, arrived at the Home.]