Mayor Patrick brings a little magic on visit to Exeter care home

Patrick the miniature Shetland, ‘Mayor’ of Cockington and our very special celebrity pony, visited The Elizabeth Finn care home in Exeter recently. 

Patrick and his best friend Kirk spent around an hour meeting residents and staff where he was well received and impeccably behaved.

Owned by Kirk and Hannah Petrakis, he  is so well thought of in his hometown of Cockington that he was made unofficial Mayor last year. He is gaining a growing army of fans at home and abroad for his visits to hospital wards and care homes in the region as well as the pony therapy he provides in the community.

“We were absolutely delighted to meet Patrick during his visit to The Lodge,” said Care Home General Manager Deborah Skinner. “It was a delight to see the interaction with the residents and the stimulation and discussion this created for quite a while afterwards.”

Pony Therapy refers to horses or ponies that provide psycho-social, emotional and physical benefits for vulnerable people in the community. It has proven to be especially valuable for the young and elderly and for those with mental or physical disabilities.

Ponies are sensitive creatures with emotional intelligence. Because of their size, miniature ponies provide a non-threatening experience that can really make a difference.

As well as bringing joy to many, Patrick has raised thousands of pounds for equine charities, is official mascot of The War Horse Memorial and the Devon Recovery Learning Community, and is involved with the Animal Purple Poppy Fund.

Elizabeth Finn Homes operates nine care homes across England and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the charity Turn2us.  Founder Elizabeth Finn, a pioneering philanthropist, set up the Distressed Gentlefolks’ Aid Association in 1887.