Kesteven Rideability, member group of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), hosted residents
from Newton House Care Home for a Tea with a Pony session. Residents were welcomed with smiles,
tea and homemade cake, and were given the opportunity to engage with the ponies at the group.
Riding for the Disabled Association, who provide equestrian activities for disabled people, launched
‘Tea with a Pony’ in 2021, made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Tea with a
Pony is an RDA activity focussing on multisensory experiences with RDA horses and ponies. The
activity offers the opportunity to engage with horses and ponies in a safe and secure environment.
The sessions typically involve tea and cake followed by watching a riding lesson or having an
opportunity to stroke or brush the ponies.
This was the first Tea with a Pony session of the year for Kesteven Rideability following the winter
break. “Kesteven Rideability is delighted to welcome back our three care homes after the winter
break” said Kesteven Rideability Group Chair, Karen Thompson. “These sessions give everyone such
pleasure, the participants, volunteers and horses. A chance to relax and share memories whilst
enjoying the tranquillity of the Lincolnshire countryside.”
Residents enjoyed brilliant sunshine and were able to sing Happy Birthday to one of the residents.
“This has been the best day ever. I always have so much fun when I’m here” said one resident,
Gillian. “We are truly grateful and feel honoured to be part of the Tea with a Pony group at Kesteven
Rideability.” Newton House Care Home said. “The care and kindness that they provide us is
outstanding and the volunteers who work there are incredible.”.
The importance of these sessions for the residents was expressed by Newton House Activities Co-
ordinator, Karen. “Horse therapy is such a wonderful activity for the elderly and provides many
benefits for them, including providing a nonverbal form of communication, encouraging
reminiscence and increased feeling of belonging, self-esteem and wellbeing.”
Riding for the Disabled Association will be making a bid to run many Tea with a Pony sessions as
possible at its member groups throughout the UK for Dementia Action Week next week. The charity
aims to raise awareness of the power of horses to help people living with Dementia.
Learn more about the RDA and how to support them in their important work with disabled people
by visiting their website www.rda.org.uk.
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