IT’S not often you see a horse in a living room but this was the slightly surreal sight at a Chester care home yesterday.

Luckily Dolly is a pint-sized Shetland Pony rather than a Shire horse and could easily trot through the front door of Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home.

She was brought into the home on Caldecott Close on Thursday, August 16, as part of owner Sanctuary’s commitment to animal therapy.

The four-legged visitor, aged 10 months, proved a huge hit throughout the home due to her gentle and affectionate nature and love of meeting new people.

On meeting Dolly, 84-year-old June Egan said: “Oh isn’t she just beautiful?”

Fellow resident Vera Ruck added: “I am over the moon. Polly was lovely, I didn’t want her to leave.”

Bernie Harding, activities leader at the Sanctuary Care home – which has recently been rated ‘Good’ in all five areas of its recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, added: “When Dolly arrived at the home there was a real sense of excitement.

“Our residents adore animals so they couldn’t wait to have a stroke – you could hear the cooing echoing throughout the home, it was priceless!”

Interacting with animals is becoming increasing recognised as a therapeutic activity for care home residents, including those living with dementia, as they provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation.

Among other benefits, stroking them can reduce blood pressure, have a calming effect on the mind and ease anxiety.

Bernie added: “Animal visits are extremely thought-provoking and can bring back many wonderful memories, as well as being incredibly beneficial for their wellbeing.”