It now offers Tea with a Pony to anyone who would enjoy this unique experience. Acer, our therapy Shetland pony joins visitors in the conference room for tea and home-made cakes, a chat and a cuddle, and loves being the centre of attention. Visitors can take a tour of the Centre too.
Acer is no stranger to meeting the public as he visits various care home and groups in the area and has been proved to be a talented fundraiser as a result!
Nationally, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) enriches lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, it supports over 25,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. It is a pioneer in the therapeutic use of horses, a leader in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.
Trustee Joan Northend, who runs the event and bakes all the cakes with Trustee Pat White said, “We find that people living with dementia, additional needs and mental health problems find the connection with animals to be helpful. Ponies are especially attuned to people’s mood and can provide a calming effect reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, increasing positive emotions, decreasing depression and increasing social connection skills.
She went on, “Not everyone is able, or wants to ride horses, but we can offer an alternative in the form of spending time with a pony. It can be a really special relationship.”
The Centre offers 90 minute sessions on the third Wednesday of each month from 1030 to 1200 or 1300 to 1430. They cost £5 for each visitor, and must be pre-booked by calling 01642 576222. The next session takes place on Wednesday 16 April.
