RESIDENTS at a CARE home in Ovingham were thrilled after a visit from a special therapy animal.

Wellburn House Care Home was visited by Digby, a miniature horse from KL Pony Therapy, which visits care homes, hospitals, hospices and schools across the North East.

Lyndsay Perham, the care home's lifestyle coordinator, plans activities and events to keep the residents active and involved in the community.

Lyndsay said it is important to keep the residents busy and stimulated.

"It was amazing," she said.

"We're a dementia-based care home so animals are super calming and relaxing and it brings the residents a lot of joy. It's important for the wellbeing of the residents. It helps them to reminisce and adds excitement to their day."

Katy Smith owns KL Pony Therapy and has run the business for 13 years, starting off with one miniature horse and now has a team of 11.

She said the visit to Wellburn was very positive. 

"It was amazing," she said. "Digby hasn't done many therapy visits. He's training to be a guide horse so this was a different avenue for him to go down. He got into being petted and stroked and lit the whole room up."

READ MORE: 'We'd be better off going back' - Man who fled Ukraine shares experience

READ MORE: New home for disabled riding charity

Lyndsay said Wellburn Care Homes encourages activities and bus trips to entertain the residents and they had enjoyed the day before at White House Farm.

"The care home's purpose is wellbeing, they encourage animal therapy, days out, and music therapy which is good for memory and mood, and bringing joy into the home," she said.

"We focus on keeping them busy and motivated and giving them a happy life with what we can do."

Katy said the horses always get plenty of smiles and make residents feel important and that they don't have to miss out on fun experiences.

"The reaction from the ladies and gentlemen was so positive," she said.

"Digby oozed natural charisma and confidence and even the residents who were anxious fell in love with him."

Katy has a connection with Middlesbrough Hospital, where she brings her miniature horses to visit patients who are dying and said the horses do a 'fantastic job'.

"I'm very lucky to be invited to hospitals and hospices, animals have an amazing ability to be at one with a person who is dying," she said.

"It makes the person peaceful, very relaxed and it's soothing and calm for them."