A group of residents, family members and staff from Milford House Care Home in Salisbury enjoyed a great afternoon at the Riding for the Disabled, Pembroke Centre in Wilton recently.

Residents got to see the facilities, meet the super friendly ponies and and enjoy a fabulous tea with home made cakes – all hosted by the volunteers at the centre.

It was a gloriously sunny afternoon for the visit and residents loved stoking, grooming and feeding the ponies, as well as getting a tour of the tack rooms and other facilities.

For several of the residents it was an afternoon that prompted a range of memories; one of the residents had previously volunteered at the stables for around 16 years and reunited with a former colleague so this was definitely a trip down memory lane.

Others had worked with horses during their careers or been involved with them at various times in their lives.
Gemma Hicks, general manager at Milford House, said: “I think the photos say it all. The residents had such a great afternoon and to see the interaction between them and the gentle ponies is very special and for many of our residents the visit brought back some very special memories.

“The ponies captivated everyone, it was hard to tear ourselves away from them and head off for a scrumptious tea.

“This is such a great initiative, put on by the centre. On behalf of our residents I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who made the visit possible – you made this a very special and unforgettable afternoon.”