Equine Therapy for Borella House Residents

Borella House was contacted by Riverton Equine therapy who had recently introduced a program to bring horses and ponies into residential care facilities for therapy.

In consultation with lifestyle staff, Nicole Waite, Residential Care Manager felt that it would be great to trial this program and see how the residents enjoyed it as they have always loved visiting animals.

It’s well researched that regular interactions with animals as a form of pet therapy in residential care services greatly helps to improve the mood of residents, can decrease stress levels, loneliness and isolation and promote a sense of belonging, love and appreciation.

Riverton brought two horses to Borella House, which the residents were able to pat and brush. They also walked them through the grounds so that all residents had access to pat or brush or just be around them.

Nicole shared, “We had residents who don’t come out of their room much attend and even brush the horses. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the residents who joined in and we are looking forward to having them back in six months.”