The best things come in small packages – miniature ponies trot along to Sway care home

A care home in Sway has been joined by some friendly four-legged friends for a special afternoon of animal fun. 

Residents at Sway Place, on Church Lane, gathered to welcome two friendly miniature ponies, named Cyril and Cedric, from The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, who were given a tour of the home, and received plenty of attention along the way. 

 

As part of the visit, residents learnt about the history and characteristics of the miniature ponies, as well as other interesting facts about the animals. 

Resident Freda, who has lived in the New Forest her whole life and is a keen horse lover, said: “It was fantastic to see the ponies, having lived in the Forest and having the ponies around me is very important, it was a wonderful visit.” 

Anne, also a resident at Sway Place added: It was wonderful to meet Cyril and Cedric. I was able to feed them a carrot. They were very friendly and brightened up our morning.”

Rachel Bedford, General Manager at Sway Place, said: “We are always looking to plan interesting and exciting activities for residents, and as so many have a keen interest in nature and animals, we thought ponies would make the perfect guests.  

 

"Miniature Shetland ponies are bred to interact well with people, so residents enjoyed a calm and tactile experience, and liked learning more about the breed and the local pony centre. The animals are so intuitive and responded to the emotions of the residents around them, so this was a powerful session of animal therapy. We can’t wait for them to pop in for another visit soon!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Sway Place incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Sway Place incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Sway Place, please call Laura Blake, Home Admissions Advisor, on 01590 607371, email laura.blake@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/sway-place