A lifelong love of horses was brought back to life when Colwall Care Home arranged a special birthday visit to Sheepcote Equestrian for resident Kath.
Working with the team at Sheepcote Equestrian, the home organised the surprise so Kath could spend time with the animals she has loved throughout her life. During her visit, she met dressage rider and trainer David Pincus, spent time with horses Rosie, Addy and Dolly, and watched Louie being put through his paces in the arena.
Kath's passion for horses began as a young girl growing up in Edinburgh. She would eagerly watch the milkmen and coalmen making their deliveries by horse and cart, and they would often lift her onto the horses when they saw her waiting.
After moving to Sutton Coldfield at around the age of 11, Kath finally had the chance to learn to ride. She took lessons at a local riding school owned by a National Hunt jockey and soon became a confident rider, exercising horses while their young owners were away at boarding school. Although she was small enough to ride a Shetland pony, she was equally at home riding 17-hand steeplechasers.
Kath stepped away from riding after getting married but rediscovered her passion years later when her daughter Jennifer began riding lessons at just four years old. She helped on hacks at the local stables and later shared her love of horses with her second husband. Together they enjoyed riding for many years before going on to breed Irish Draught horses.
During the visit, Kath enjoyed chatting with David about her lifelong passion for horses while learning more about his work training horses for dressage and eventing.
Clare Lockley, Lifestyle Coordinator at Colwall Care Home, said: "When we learnt about Kath's lifelong love of horses, we knew we wanted to do something really special for her birthday. Working with David and the team at Sheepcote Equestrian gave us the opportunity to bring so many wonderful memories back to life. Seeing Kath chatting about horses with such enthusiasm and watching her smile throughout the visit made all the planning worthwhile."
David Pincus, dressage rider and trainer at Sheepcote Equestrian, said: "It was lovely to meet Kath and hear all about her life with horses. She has such wonderful knowledge and enthusiasm. We'd like to thank the team at Colwall Care Home for getting in touch and making the visit possible. Perhaps I should put my name down for a room at the home!"
