Residents from The Firs Residential Home in Budleigh Salterton enjoyed a heart-warming visit to Budleigh Riding Stables for its ‘Cuppa and Cuddle’ event.
The morning gave residents the chance to spend time with three much-loved horses, Rupert, Hilda and Peanut. Residents enjoyed getting up close to the horses, offering gentle strokes, brushes and plenty of affection.
The visit brought a real sense of calm and connection, with the horses’ gentle nature creating a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere for everyone involved.
The trip was especially meaningful for resident Barbara, who once ran her own riding school, and Mike, who enjoyed sharing stories from his own riding days.
The morning ended with a hot drink overlooking the paddock, giving residents time to relax, chat and take in the surroundings.
Emma, the home manager for The Firs Residential Home said: “We had the most magical morning at Budleigh Riding Stables. It was lovely to see our residents connecting with Rupert, Hilda and Peanut, and the whole experience brought such a sense of serenity.
“For Barbara and Mike, the visit was particularly special because it brought back such happy memories. Moments like these really matter. They are about joy, connection, conversation and giving residents opportunities to enjoy experiences that feel personal to them.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Budleigh Riding Stables for such a warm welcome, and to Matt from Driving Miss Daisy Exmouth for supporting our residents with transport.”
The Firs Residential Home regularly arranges outings and activities that support residents’ wellbeing, encourage reminiscence and help people stay connected with the local community.