Two miniature Shetland ponies have been spreading their love – and some therapy – after paying a visit to two generations of animal lovers.

The ‘theraponies’ visited residents of Balhousie North Inch North Grove care home in Perth this week. The elderly residents were joined by pre-school children from nearby Balhousie Nursery. Balhousie Nursery and its sister school Balhousie Primary are regular visitors to the care home, where primary school children take part in inter-generational activities.

Provided by Therapy Ponies Scotland, the miniature ponies offer therapeutic benefits to people with dementia, mobility challenges, anxiety, depression and learning difficulties. They are trained to walk beside wheelchairs, go in lifts and on stair lifts, as well as interact with people.

Louise Barnett, operations director with Balhousie Care Group, said: “Theraponies have proven benefits for people with physical and cognitive challenges, so we jumped at the chance of this visit from Therapy Ponies Scotland. The ponies brought a big smile on the face of our residents, as well as the Balhousie Nursery children.”

www.balhousiecare.co.uk