ANIMAL-LOVING residents at a care home enjoyed catching up with their four-legged friends when a trio of horses trotted by for a visit. 

Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Stisted, welcomed horses Louis, Django and Teddy to the home.

The sun was shining as the handlers led the horses to residents, who enjoyed stroking the nags' noses.

Happy - Residents enjoyed stroking the horses' hairy noses. Happy - Residents enjoyed stroking the horses' hairy noses. (Image: RMBI Care Co.) The home organised the visit because of the benefits animals can have on residents, as research shows that having something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduce stress.

A visit from the horses also meant spending time outdoors, which the care home says is vital for health and wellbeing.

Sophie George, the home’s activities coordinator who helped to organise the special visit, said: “Our residents were so excited to see the horses.

“Many of them remembered their visit from last year.”

Fun - The horses were a welcome delight for the visitors. Fun - The horses were a welcome delight for the visitors. (Image: RMBI Care Co.) Resident Audrey said: “Last year, I was a little afraid of horses, but after they visited I felt much more confident and comfortable around them.

“This year, I even had one of the horses eat out of my hand.”

RMBI Care Co. provides residential care, nursing care and residential dementia support to older Freemasons, their families and people in the wider community.

For more, visit www.mcf.org.uk