Poppy the pony visits Oxford care home for animal therapy

Sixteen-year-old Poppy visits care homes across the region for similar sessions.

She visited Cumnor Hill House as part of the care home's regular animal therapy programme.

Poppy the Shetland pony at Cumnor Hill House (Image: Cumnor Hill House) Poppy the Shetland pony at Cumnor Hill House (Image: Cumnor Hill House) Poppy entered the building via the main entrance ramp and was taken in the lift to the middle floor, where most residents were gathered.

Special precautions were taken, with Poppy wearing custom-made sparkly shoes to prevent slipping on the laminate floors.

Many of the residents took the opportunity to pet, hug, and interact with her.

For those who were unable to attend the group session, she made individual visits to their rooms, including one to a lady celebrating her 88th birthday.

Sherrie Hume, Cumnor Hill House's general manager, said: "Our residents were absolutely overjoyed during Poppy’s visit.

Poppy the Shetland pony at Cumnor Hill House (Image: Cumnor Hill House) "It was heart warming to see their faces light up as they stroked and interacted with her.

"Animal therapy is something our residents always look forward to, and it always brings so much comfort to everyone here.

"We made it a point to offer these experiences regularly, and it’s amazing to see the positive impact they have.

"We’re already looking ahead to the visit from guinea pigs next month, which the residents are very excited about.

"It’s wonderful to see how much these sessions contribute to their overall wellbeing.”