Spreading Christmas cheer

With Christmas a time for giving, equestrians are making the most of their equines’ good natures to bring joy to their community, says Stephanie Bateman

- Stephanie Bateman

FOR many, Christmas conjures up scenes of excitedly opening presents, consuming an unhealthy quota of festive food and drink, and vegging out in front of the TV.

As horse owners, many of us can only dream of the aforementioned scenario with horses needing to be fed and watered, but it doesn’tmean we can’t still embrace the festive period. On the contrary, many simply involve their four-legged steeds in their festive endeavours.

Artist and horse lover Ali Stearn owns miniature Shetland Jack Brock (pictured, with Ali’s two children) whom she takes to visit care homes over the festive period to help raise funds for charity.

“We visit a care home on Christmas Eve in exchange for donations for our JustGiving page to Dementia UK,” says Ali. “The residents adore seeing Jack. They love to feed him carrots and feel the different textures of his mane, fur and velvety muzzle.”

Taking Jack is like a form of animal therapy.

“People living with dementia, who have had horses in the past, gain so much from Jack’s visits,” she adds. “He takes them back to that time. It’s the senses such as his smell that transports them. The power of animal therapy is wonderful. It also lifts the spirits of the staff, as they give up family time to care for others and the joy that Jack brings is contagious.”

On Christmas Eve, Ali and Jack hand out presents to children at the local church’s Christmas service. She also sells Christmas cards that she designs and paints with Jack’s picture on the front.

“I give £2 from every pack sold to Dementia UK too,” she says. “They’re sold on Jack’s website and in a local department store.”