North East Sensory Services (NESS) has played host to two miniature Shetland ponies, to the delight of a group of people with impairments ranging from three to 98 years of age.
NESS brought together their young people and elderly user groups to share the benefits of interacting with the therapy ponies last week.
The charity, which is celebrating 140 years of improving lives, aims to achieve independence for blind and deaf people.
Parents in the group found the visit by the gentle equines to be very therapeutic for the children, with the shared enthusiasm bringing the newfound friends together in an “inspiring” fashion.
The children and young people enjoyed stroking the ponies and braiding their manes.
Louise Burgess from Joyful Ponies said: “They seem to have a calming effect which is therapeutic for both children and adults.
“Everyone seems happy to get involved with them and the ponies are happy to be close to people.”
One of the older participants, Esther Woods, particularly enjoyed her time with these placid animals.
She said: “They were so well behaved. One fell asleep on my lap when I was stroking it.
“This is the best day we’ve had. I hope they come back again.”
For the service users with a visual impairment, the animals were easier to see than other smaller therapy pets.
Both the adult and children’s groups experience challenges which, without support, often result in low mood, loss of confidence and, ultimately, social isolation.
The Joyful Ponies visit enabled them “to communicate, compare experiences and learn from each other, while benefiting from the mood-enhancing and session.”
Sadly, the ponies couldn’t stay for tea, but they received a very fond farewell.
NESS is the first integrated joint sensory service in Scotland and delivers information, equipment and support. For more information, go to www.nesensoryservices.org
