Residents at Highgate Bupa Care Home were given the chance to stroke and brush Oreo the Shetland pony during the recent visit

A SHETLAND pony was a special guest at an Islington care home, giving residents a rare and relaxing afternoon.

Residents at Highgate Bupa Care Home, on Hornsey Lane, were given the chance to stroke and brush the pony, called Oreo, during the visit last week. It was arranged by Dr Kris from Pony Wisdom, a behavioural specialist and riding coach, as part of an animal-assisted wellbeing activity designed to support engagement and emotional wellbeing.

Oreo’s visit was the first of its kind at the home and staff said many of the non-verbal residents showed a particular sense of calmness and serenity.

One resident, Heather, said: “I really did enjoy spending time with Oreo. It was interesting as I’d never seen such a small pony before. The sweet little thing was so patient, and I found him a very calming presence to be around.”

Louis Passaniti, Lifestyle and Wellbeing Coordinator at Highgate Bupa Care Home, said: “I’m grateful to Dr Kris for such a wonderful afternoon and was so glad to see everyone enjoying themselves and being so present. I really believe that alternative therapies, not as a substitution but as a complement, can make our lives better.”

Highgate Bupa Care Home welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with Parkinson’s.

Sarah Uwin, from the British Association for Counselling, said that animal therapy can help people with dementia and mental health issues feel at ease and relaxed.

She said: “Focusing on an animal can help clients relax, talk honestly and start to explore how they feel about experiences in their lives.

“Animals are a mood-lifter and an ice-breaker. They are honest, empathetic and naturally authentic.”