A pensioner from an Airth care home has fulfilled her lifelong dream of riding a horse at the age of 87. Mary Aitken, known as Myra, enjoyed a day in the saddle thanks to the team at Meallmore-operated Airthrey Care Home and Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA.
Wishing Well Initiative
The activity was organised in response to a Wishing Well initiative launched at the care home in April. Every resident can write down a wish—such as a favourite activity, a trip out, a special meal, or reconnecting with a hobby—and place it in the well. All wishes are reviewed for safety and achievability, then the team works to bring them to life.
When Myra’s wish to go horse riding was revealed, the Airthrey Care Home team investigated how to make it happen. The solution was Equi-Power, an award-winning charity and member of the Riding for the Disabled Association, which welcomed Myra, the activities team, and two other residents to the equestrian centre in Stirling for a day filled with joy.
Afternoon Tea and Pony Grooming
The residents were treated to afternoon tea and had the chance to meet and groom some ponies before Myra’s wish was granted. The expert team at the equestrian centre ensured every safety precaution was taken, creating a safe, supported, and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Speaking about the experience, Myra said: “I just got on his back. I got my leg over as if I was a youngster – that was how good it was. It was amazing. The best thing about it was that the horse stayed still, so I got my foot in one stirrup and the other one over, and I just sank into its seat. I had the best experience ever.”
Care Home Manager's Reaction
Michelle Ruiz-Beltran, Care Home Manager at Airthrey Care Home, said: “The Wishing Well is something extra special that we’ve introduced to our home. We love celebrating the passions, talents, and stories of the people who live with us, so getting to learn more about their dreams and then getting to make some of those come true is really magical. Seeing the smile on Myra’s face and hearing the joy in her voice as she told us all about riding the horse was just incredible. These activities are all about creating joy, sharing experiences, and making meaningful memories together. The activities team have done a wonderful job creating this initiative and working out ways to make dreams come true. Well done to all of them for their hard work, and an extra special thank you to the talented team at Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA for making Myra’s experience possible. Our team and residents had such a fabulous time – and the look on Myra’s face just said it all.”
Throughout the year, the Airthrey Care Home team selects one or two wishes each month to make come true.
