Miniature therapy horse visits Marske retirement home

The miniature horse is named Mr P, short for Mr Perfect

A miniature horse has been delighting retirement home residents on Teesside.

The 15-year-old with a buckskin tobiano coat named Mr P - short for Mr Perfect - trotted into St Germain's Grange in Marske.

A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council said "therapeutic benefits" from animals "should not be underestimated".

Vera Tate, aged 88, said it brought back "special memories" of working on a farm, along with her husband Derek.

She recalled an accident, in North Yorkshire, when her partner slipped and could not move and their horse "stayed with him for hours and hours until help came".

"We had a cat who followed the horse everywhere too, right behind him... I love horses."

Vera Tate said it unlocked "special memories" of her husband Derek

Mr P was taken from resident to resident and watched as they pursued craft hobbies.

A care home manager said the visit had spread laughter and joy, adding that tenants and day centre visitors had talked "non-stop" about Mr P after meeting him.

Katy Smith, who owns Mr P - along with ten other miniature horses - said they "get smiles everywhere we go" and that the latest visit was "joyful".

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council added that it was "thrilled to hear about the joy" and that it tried to help its residents to "live as full meaningful lives as possible".