Sunderland Echo

Their little pony Care home residents enjoy special visitor

- By JAMIE DIFFLEY jamie. diffley@ jpress. co. uk Twitter: @ Sunderland­Echo

A PONY proved to be the mane attraction at a Wearside care home.

Residents at Barnes Court Home were visited by Wish – an American miniature horse – as part of a pony therapy session.

The home in High Barnes, Sunderland, is a residentia­l and nursing home which offers care to the elderly and for adults with physical disabiliti­es.

Residents were delighted with the pony and his carers from Country Durham- based K& L Pony Therapy.

Home manager Debbie Daniels said: “The residents really enjoyed the visit from Wish and K& L, and we’ve had some great feedback.

“Animals have a wonderful way of creating bonds with people with physical and mental challenges, and pony therapy has really brought some of our quieter residents out of their shells.”

Claire Lambert, activities co- ordinator at Barnes Court, who is responsibl­e for organising entertainm­ent, events and day trips for the residents, added: “It was a fantastic visit. All the residents absolutely loved interactin­g with Wish.

“The pony would put its head on their lap so that they can stroke and cuddle it. It brought a huge smile to everyone’s face.”

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