Not foal-ing around – Halstead care home resident’s wish to ride again made a reality

A resident at a care home in Halstead was delighted when her wish to rekindle her love for horse riding was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, learned that 65-year-old Kathy Knopp was an avid horse rider in her youth and was keen to get back in the saddle, they were determined to make her dream come true. 

Kathy began riding aged just six years old, spending over a decade taking lessons and entering various competitions. As a teenager, Kathy spent all of her free time at the stables, even securing a part time job helping to look after the horses. Her love of the outdoors remained throughout her 20s, Kathy lived and worked on a local farm, enjoying how closely surrounded she was by the gentle creatures. 

To help Kathy fulfil her wish, the team organised a visit to Michaelmas Farm, in Finchingfield. Kathy was able to ride Hannah, a 22-year-old horse, as well as meet and help feed the other horses.

Speaking about the experience, Kathy said: “It was one of the best days of my life – it was amazing to be back in the saddle and it felt very natural. I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to ride a horse again.”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “Kathy loves to talk about the weekends she spent riding when she was younger, so, when she shared that her biggest dream was to give it a go again, the team knew they had to make it happen. 

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Kathy had a wonderful time meeting Hannah and the other horses – she hasn’t stopped smiling since and is already talking about going back.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Colne View and Michaelmas Farm for a fantastic day and for making Kathy’s wish come true!”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, residential dementia care and respite care.

For more information about Colne View, please call Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson on 01787 389474 or email kim.richardson@careuk.com 

For general information please visit, careuk.com/colne-view