A 'star' horse used by a voluntary group in Derry for therapy is in high demand after a successful visit to end-of-life patients at Foyle Hospice.
The American Miniature therapy horse is one of a number of therapy animals based at a farm in Culmore.
A group formed by cognitive behavioural therapist Karen Baldwin, known as Happy Hooves, is on a mission to prioritise hospitals and nursing homes for its therapy service.
Read more: Derry women praise charity for 'incredible' support during cancer victim sister's final days
Staff and patients at Foyle Hospice welcomed 'Star' to its grounds and inpatient unit last month, putting smiles on the faces of staff and patients alike.
Owner Karen, said: “The visit was brilliant; the patients and staff really enjoyed it; we received really positive feedback.
“Star is a one in a million pony and she’s so gentle – she was able to visit the patients and they got to pet her."
She continued: “We cater to all ages and have so far worked with sick children, cancer patients and those with learning difficulties and limiting illnesses.
“We would encourage those who are interested to book a slot with us in advance and this the visit will last one hour.
“At the moment we only have limited availability for visits to the barn as we only do this work at the weekend but we will accommodate where we can!
“If we are doing visits, it would only be locally as we do everything on a voluntary basis."
She added: “If people are coming to visit us, they can come from afar to spend time at the barn and take photos if they wish.”
The 'Happy Hooves' barn in Culmore has six miniature horses and ponies, two are rescue animals and four are therapy animals, with Star being one of them.
Karen said Star was born in North Carolina and is 15 years old.
“She came to the UK and began a showing career before she went on to become a champion show pony," Karen said.
“We got her because we felt she would be perfect for therapy work – she is a very special horse, it’s almost as if she knows her purpose, there isn’t aren’t very many like her.”
She said she has her own special connection to Foyle Hospice, through her grandfather who died there and the loss of lost loved ones to cancer.
She added: “My brother was diagnosed with cancer and we lost him only four weeks later.
“My friend and nursing colleague at Altnagelvin Hospital was diagnosed with a brain tumour and they gave her three months to live.
“I worked with her and helped her every week to reduce her overthinking as she came to terms with the diagnosis – she surprised everyone and managed to live for another 11 months.
“She asked me would I do this work with other people and I told her I would keep my word – I went on to study psychiatry and trained as a CBT Nurse in London.
“Unfortunately, I have experienced cancer journeys and know all too well what’s what it’s like for patients so it was a privilege to visit the Hospice and it was nice to be bringing some positivity through the door – I get a lot out of seeing smiles on people’s faces.”
“We have already had a lot of bookings since we have been to the Hospice for nursing homes so I think Star is going to be busy!”
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