Equine Therapy’s role in aged care
On Friday 13 May, Resthaven Mitcham residents were delighted to welcome back a special visitor from Nolton Park.
‘Residents enjoyed a delightful afternoon with Miniature Therapy Horse, Bella, and were excited to welcome her back form her last visit in October 2021,’ says Lifestyle Coordinator, Sylvia Ortiz.
Bella is one of four miniature horses at Nolton Park, weighing the smallest, at 50kg.
‘Bella worked her way around the room, and residents were naturally eager to pat her.’
‘There were many conversations around how small she is, and asking her handler lots of questions about what she does as a therapy horse.’
‘Many residents who had not met Bella before, were pleasantly surprised by how gentle and friendly she is, commenting on how wonderful this experience was for them.’
‘We managed to capture a lot of smiles from the day.’
Nolton Park’s Miniature Therapy Horses are trained to visit aged care sites, hospitals, palliative care, and Ronald McDonald House, providing adults and children with a healing interaction.
Equine Therapy is particularly helpful in promoting physical and emotional growth with diseases prevalent in older people.
‘Residents have already asked us when she will be coming back for a third time!’
Thank you to the team at Nolton Park for facilitating yet another successful visit.