90-year-old Quorn care home resident gets back in the saddle

 

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

When the team at Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, learned that 90-year-old Eileen Ellis 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. 

Eileen, who grew up in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, developed her passion for horses after her father, a local corn merchant, rented a field behind their family home to local farmers for pony grazing. She began riding at the age of eight and spent her free time riding a local farmer’s pony called Dandy, with her sister Ruth and her school friends.

In her later years, Eileen went on to look after two ex-racehorses called Dismasted in 1979, who she often took to Point to Point races, and Ariel in 1986. 

After moving to Kent, Eileen rode with her husband and two daughters every Sunday. Eileen and her family even enjoyed a pony trekking holiday to Wales, and she also rode in America with her husband.

In her 70s, Eileen was lucky enough to ride the Queen’s horses in Windsor Great Park, with a friend who was in the Honourable Artillery Company. She enjoyed watching Trooping of the Colour and other state occasions, and would recognise the horses pulling the Queen’s carriage, remarking: “I rode him last week!”

To help Eileen fulfil her wish, the team organised a visit to Wenlo Riding Group for the Disabled Association Group in Loughborough, where she groomed and fed the horses. Eileen then met her horse Strathwillan, took charge of the reins, and trotted around the paddock. After an afternoon in the saddle, Eileen enjoyed a well-earned afternoon tea in the stable yard.

Speaking about the experience, Eileen said: “What lovely horses they were. How lucky I am at aged 90 to get back on a horse!”

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.

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “Eileen 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. Eileen 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 Lonsdale Mews and at Wenlo Riding Group for the Disabled Association Group for a fantastic day and for making Eileen’s wish come true!”