Therapeutic Shetland ponies pay a visit to older tenants in Glasgow

Bettie MacDowall with therapeutic ponies Wilson and Eduardo
Bettie MacDowall with therapeutic ponies Wilson and Eduardo

A pair of small ponies made a big difference to older tenants in Glasgow when they dropped in for a visit.

Therapy ponies Wilson and Eduardo put a smile on everyone’s faces when they visited GHA’s sheltered service in Marfield Street in Carntyne.

The duo were there as part of the service’s activities programme, which gives tenants the chance to get involved, socialise and enjoy themselves.

Sheila Lilley with Wilson the Shetland pony
Sheila Lilley with Wilson the Shetland pony

Research has shown animal-assisted therapy can improve mood, lower blood pressure and increase physical activity.

Tenant Sheila Lilley, 91, said the ponies had made her feel young again.

She said: “It was just like being a child. It was lovely just to stroke it. I like animals.

“It makes you feel young again. It was like a wean getting a toy, when you were clapping it and its wee face was coming in. They are lovely.”

Elizabeth Wheatley with Wilson the Shetland pony
Elizabeth Wheatley with Wilson the Shetland pony

The ponies came with their owners, John and Elaine Sangster from Therapy Ponies Scotland.

Liz Smith, area care manager for GHA’s sheltered services, said: “It really was a case of animal magic.

“Everyone had a smile on their face and Wilson and Eduardo brought so much joy to people here. We all had a cracking day.”

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