• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Contribute
  • Horse Care
  • News
  • Horse Videos & Fun
  • Horse Fun
  • Rescue
  • Tips For Riders
  • Videos
  • Heartwarming
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Contribute
  • Horse Care
  • News
  • Horse Videos & Fun
  • Horse Fun
  • Rescue
  • Tips For Riders
  • Videos
  • Heartwarming
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » News » Team Of Therapy Ponies Is Spreading Joy To People With Dementia

    Team Of Therapy Ponies Is Spreading Joy To People With Dementia

    Published: Aug 9, 2019 · Modified: Aug 9, 2019 by Amber King · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    There's nothing quite like looking down the hall and seeing a herd of perfectly coiffed ponies strutting through the door. Their manes are perfectly groomed, and they walk calmly and casually as if visiting public buildings far from any farm is no big deal. In fact, these ponies are no strangers to being invited into common access areas, living rooms, and even people's bedrooms. That's because they're part of Therapy Ponies Scotland, and they have a job to do.

    Elaine and John Sangster own Therapy Ponies Scotland along with a herd of 15 beautiful Shetland ponies. And while their ponies live full-time on their farm, there is more to their lives than grazing in pastures. These ponies are therapy ponies, and their specialty is bringing joy to people with dementia.

    https://www.facebook.com/therapyponiesscotland/photos/a.697829053681339/1591277661003136/?type=3&theater

    According to Horse and Hound, the Sangsters and their ponies spend most of their days visiting local care facilities. From nursing homes to hospice homes, care facilities are starting to embrace the somewhat surprising idea of therapy ponies. Similar to therapy dogs, ponies have a special way of communicating with people that relieves stress and lifts spirits.  Nurse consultant for Alzheimer Scotland and NHS Grampian, Lyn Irvine, said,

    "The interaction with the ponies often helps stimulate a positive social response from people living with dementia and minimizes stress and distress. The animals provide comfort, joy, and a sense of excitement."

    https://www.facebook.com/therapyponiesscotland/photos/a.697829053681339/1591094717688097/?type=3&theater

    Elaine and John typically take eight ponies with them for every visit. And while the logistics of getting all those animals into a building and interacting with people sounds difficult, Therapy Ponies Scotland has their system down to a science. All of the ponies are trained and well-behaved. Most of them have been with Elaine and John since they were foals, and they've grown up preparing for their jobs as therapy ponies. They're groomed to the point that their coats are silky and smooth, and they have "whoops-a-daisy" bags to prevent any embarrassing messes from landing on the carpet. 

    When people meet the therapy ponies, there's a sense of excitement and comfort in the room. Elaine says people often interact with the ponies in ways they no longer do with humans. She's seen dementia patients who typically choose not to speak suddenly start talking. They reminisce about other horse's they've known in their lives or simply talk to the ponies about their days. 

    https://www.facebook.com/therapyponiesscotland/photos/a.697829053681339/1575057695958466/?type=3&theater

    The herd of helpful ponies usually sets up in a common area where residents can come and see them, but they also make special trips. They ride elevators and visit the bedsides of people who can't leave their rooms. For many people, it's the highlight of their week. 

    Elaine and John are extremely proud of their ponies and the work they do. They plan on helping as many people as possible and advocating for the power of therapy ponies.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Visit them on Facebook to see more of what they're up to. 

    « A Collection Of Draft Horses To Make You Swoon
    19 Tips For Trailering Your Horse For The First Time »

    Sharing is caring!

    1.2K shares
    • Share1.2K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See
    • 17 Inspirational TikTok Horse Accounts To Lift Your Spirits

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    1.2K shares
    • 1.2K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy