81-year-old Ferndown care home resident rides again

A resident at a care home in Ferndown was delighted when her Christmas wish to rekindle her love for horse riding was made a reality – almost 20 years since she was last in the saddle.

When the team at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, learned that 81-year-old Gill Smith was an avid horse rider in her youth and was keen to get back in the saddle, they were determined to make her Christmas dreams come true. 

Gill began riding at the age of four and after developing a passion for horses, Gill spent her teen years riding and looking after her own horses, with one memorable pony called Copperpot. 

To help Gill fulfil her wish, the team organised a visit to Bryanston Equestrian Centre in Blandford, where she was able to ride in the indoor school. 

Speaking about the experience, Gill said: “I loved being able to ride again and the horse was so well behaved. I had good fun galloping around the stables!”

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 a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “Gill loves to talk about the years she spent riding when she was younger, so when she shared that she would love to get back in the saddle, 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. Gill had a wonderful time, and 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 Ferndown Manor and Bryanston Equestrian Centre for a fantastic day and for making Gill’s wish come true!”

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The care home also boasts its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.