The therapy ponies brighten everyone's day and put smiles on the faces of patients, visitors and staff.

The ponies usually visit every three weeks, and each time they are taken to different wards so that as many patients and staff as possible can see them.

The benefit of animal interactions with humans has been noted since Florence Nightingale was nursing - it calms people down and helps us to feel better. We now understand the physiological basis behind this much better. Stroking a therapy pony reduces the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which in turn reduces blood pressure and the feelings and physical symptoms of anxiety. It also increases the levels of feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin.

Animal therapy is a drug-free way of helping our patients feel more relaxed and less stressed in the hospital environment. It also works wonders for our staff as well! 

It costs £200 for a two-hour visit from the ponies and we have seen the amazing impact that they can have on patients, their families and staff.

Help fund more therapy pony visits to boost wellbeing and give patients, families and staff a lovely, positive experience!