Residents at a Bournemouth care home recently enjoyed a friendly visit from Copper and Zulu Warrior, two miniature therapy horses.

The residents at Zetland Court, run by RMBI Care, were delighted to meet the diminutive steeds, both supremely relaxed about being petted and stroked.

Amy Tite, co-owner of Crazy Creatures, led the two miniature horses all around the home’s grounds and introduced them to the residents.

Joyce Burrell, 91, said: “This is fantastic. It reminds me of when I was young and used to ride into school!”

Sophie Smith, one of Zetland Court’s Activities Coordinators, said the visit bought calmness and joy.

“It was really lovely to see the residents’ faces light up when the little horses came around and into the garden!  They were able to get very close and feel the horses’ breath, their manes and forelocks, and this was a particularly joyful experience for residents with visual problems,” she said.

The staff said they are looking forward to Crazy Creatures’ next visit to Zetland Court with the possibility of dogs, tortoises, geckos and owls dropping by.