A pair of mini Shetland ponies named Maise and Oatis provided animal therapy to residents at Pendine Park’s Bodlondeb care home in Wrexham. The visit was especially meaningful for resident Derek Potts, who grew up in a family of blacksmiths and has a deep connection to horses and farm animals. The ponies’ presence triggered happy memories for Derek and brought joy to other residents like Barbara Walton and Hilary Paul.
Maise and Oatis, who are about 10 years old, have formed a strong bond and are described as the perfect partnership for therapy work due to their calm and gentle nature. The ponies also visited Cae Bryn care home, where they brought happiness to residents like Diane Ralph and Evelyn Roberts. The Jubilee Beau Unicorn Equine Project, a Community Interest Company, aims to bring animal magic to care homes, schools, hospitals, and community groups in Wrexham.
The project, led by director Jo Spencer, relies on volunteers and fundraising events to support their mission of engaging with vulnerable groups in the community. Pendine Park artist in residence Sarah Edwards expressed excitement about the ponies’ visit and the positive impact they had on residents. The therapy ponies, Maise and Oatis, are described as adorable and heartwarming, bringing smiles to everyone they encounter.
