Therapy pony handler

Sarah Woodland and her five Dinky Ponies bring a little joy to those facing challenging times, sadness or loneliness

- Sarah Jenkins

My parents had horses so I’ve been around them as long as I can remember. A few years ago, someone offered me a couple of miniature Shetlands. I decided to take them on only if I could do something with them, so they were able to pay their way. It started last summer attending parties.

We’d go to places where people hadn’t had any interaction with animals – to me it’s a shock when a child says, “I’ve never stroked a pony before,” but it’s common. Then we visited children’s homes and care homes. I’d never realised the extent of some people’s loneliness and depression.

People also ask us to come to their special occasions or if a child isn’t well. In winter, we do the visits inside, but when the weather is nice, we meet in the garden – it’s a better experience outside. That said, everyone loves a pony indoors. The ponies go into bedrooms, lifts and up and down steps, as long as there is enough space for them to move around safely.