Therapy horses bring joy to Orchard Gardens care home

The gentle animals spent a morning in the gardens of Orchard Gardens care home in Bishopstoke Park, Eastleigh, where residents, staff, and family members gathered to stroke them, offer treats, and enjoy their soothing presence.

This experience was made possible by Tammy, a dedicated carer at Orchard Gardens, who volunteered her day off to bring in her family's horses.

In a heartwarming gesture, Tammy and her children rode the horses directly to the care home.

Gentle visit from horses brings smiles and serenity to Eastleigh care home (Image: Orchard Gardens) Among the many moments that morning, a poignant one stood out for Dave, a resident, as the visit stirred up precious memories of his beloved childhood horse, Sally.

Dave said: "It's strange how suddenly something from so long ago can come flooding back. I didn't expect to feel that again.

"But standing there with those horses, I was right back with Sally. She was everything to me when I was young.

"Those feelings of trust and friendship, they never really leave you."

Harry-Lee Searle, activity champion at Orchard Gardens care home, said: "We’re always trying to create experiences that go beyond the everyday, and this was one of those moments that really stayed with people.

"There’s something very grounding and healing about being around animals - especially horses - that puts people at ease.

"At Orchard Gardens, we are so pleased to be able to offer these kinds of visits that bring calm and spark memories for our residents."

Anchor, the care home's operator, began more than 60 years ago and is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life.

Anchor provides housing to rent and buy, as well as residential care homes, including specialist dementia care.

In total, Anchor serves more than 65,000 residents in nearly 55,000 homes across almost 1,700 locations and is an accredited real living wage employer.