Horsin’ around – Orpington care home hosts its own Grand National with surprise horse visit

Would-be racegoers at an Orpington care home weren’t disappointed fur-long when the home hosted its very own Grand National with a surprise appearance from two local horses.  

Residents at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road, enjoyed their very own race day celebrations, complete with a sweepstake, fancy dress and afternoon tea. 

Keen to mark the annual sporting occasion, the team at Foxbridge House surprised the residents with two horses, Peaches and Mango, from Chelsfield Equestrian Centre. Residents enjoyed stroking the horses and learning more about the history of horse riding, before sitting down to enjoy the race. 

Commenting on the afternoon, resident Ann, aged 83, said: “It was such a lovely surprise seeing the horses. It brought back many memories I have being younger at the stables.”

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, said: “We had a wonderful time hosting our own Grand National – with our two special guests, Peaches and Mango. Residents had a real giggle at the team in their jockey outfits, and loved playing our horse racing themed games.

“Here at Foxbridge House, we strive to support residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, and it was wonderful to see so many smiles on everyone’s faces over the weekend. From team members dressing up as jockeys, to the resident’s surprised reactions to the horses trotting around, we had a fantastic time celebrating and are already planning our next race day event at the home!”

Foxbridge House has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home remains open throughout the refurbishment and provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, and will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities and will include its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. 

For more information about Foxbridge House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Dorothy Ayonmike, on 01689 769 229, or email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com 

For more general information on Foxbridge House, please visit: careuk.com/foxbridge-house