Pictures: Little pony's get well soon visit for Shropshire patients
Patients at one of Shropshire's hospitals were treated to an unusual form of therapy when a pony came to pay them a visit.
Blacky the therapy pony was at the Princess Royal Hospital visiting those staying at the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward and the Children's Ward.
Blacky comes from Healing Hearts Therapeutic Ponies, a charity based in Mid Wales, which usually visits hospices and care homes. This was the charity's first visit to a hospital.
Stroke patient Ellen Jones said: "The pony was gorgeous. I grew up with them as I am a farmer's daughter – so it was lovely to see a pony here at the hospital."
Health experts say there is evidence that pet therapy could have benefits for both physical and mental health. Heather Morris, who runs Healing Hearts Therapeutic Ponies, said the ponies created a relaxing atmosphere on the ward during their visit.
She said: "We have a team of ponies which provide therapy at hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and schools. The ponies are very calm and relaxed and will happily stand by a bed while they are made a fuss of."
For more information call 07578877903.
