There was a lot of horsing around at Rowcroft Hospice on Wednesday as patient Pat West received a visit from her granddaughter’s horse, Puzzle.
Puzzle travelled from his home near Ipplepen for the special visit and was ridden into the grounds by Pat’s grand daughter, Megan Hayes.
Pat was delighted to receive the visit from Puzzle, having only met him once previously during a visit home with Rowcroft’s Occupational Therapist Sarah Reynolds and Physiotherapist Lucy Goldsmith.
Pat with Puzzle
Pat, who has been a patient on Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit for a number of weeks, explained: “We have two horses who live at the bottom of our drive, but one is resting with an injury at the moment.
“We haven’t had Puzzle for very long but he is cool, calm and collected – he hasn’t put a hoof wrong!
“It was great to have him here, it was a very good day and the staff have been excellent”.
Pat’s daughter Sally, who arranged the visit, added: “Today we’ve been able to bring a bit of home into the hospice for Mum.”
The hospice is no stranger to animals, with patients receiving weekly visits from pet therapy dogs, but having a horse on site did cause quite a stir.
Inpatient Unit Manager, Sue Harvey, explained: “Many of our patients enjoy visits from four legged friends, they are a real talking point and are always so happy to be cuddled and play – Puzzle the horse was no exception!”
Occupational Therapist Sarah Reynolds added: “Rowcroft believes in trying to make every day the best day possible for patients and their families, so to be able to provide Pat with an opportunity to see the lovely Puzzle and her family together in the grounds of the hospice was just wonderful.
“It was a very special moment for the family, and all the staff and volunteers here were very excited about the visit!”
