Tea with a pony for Whittington House

Some residents from Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham were joined by Mike Bushell this week at Cheltenham Race Course.

Whilst everyone looks forward to Cheltenham festival week and the upcoming some our residents enjoyed a trial session of Tea with a pony which was filmed by the BBC and interviewed by Mike Bushell!

Cheltenham RDA wanted to trial an idea that would give people living with dementia and their families an opportunity to revisit old memories and share a new experience.

They were already in contact with us through Jerry Porter, who visits with his therapy dog. Jenny and Jo, our health and well-being coordinators, were delighted to join in the trial of an afternoon tea and sensory activity with a pony. The residents even got to meet a couple of therapy dogs, Matt from Therapy Dogs Nationwide and Skye from Pets As Therapy.

Jenny and Jo said afterwards, “The residents were very excited to be taking part in this new venture. On arrival we were presented with a beautiful afternoon tea. The residents enjoyed the refreshments and the setting while a horse riding class was in progress.”

After tea, everyone made their way out to the sensory garden and met Bobby, one of the RDA ponies. The residents split into two groups, one to look around the sensory garden and beach area and the other to lead Bobby. In the garden everyone was able to touch and smell the various herbs. The second group were able to lead Bobby through water and other different textures around the garden. The residents and their families had a lovely time and everyone is looking forward to coming back very soon.

Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire is a modern, purpose-built home and provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 66 people.

If you would like to find out more about life at Whittington House, or would like to speak to a member of our team, please contact us on 0808 223 5396 or [email protected].