A RESIDENT at a care home in Halstead had a wonder-foal time when her wish to rekindle her love for horse riding was made a reality.
When the team at Colne View learned 65-year-old Kathy Knopp was an avid horse rider in her youth and was keen to get back in the saddle, they were determined to make her dream come true.
Kathy began riding aged just six years old, spending more than a decade taking lessons and entering competitions.
As a teenager, Kathy spent all of her free time at the stables, even securing a part time job helping to look after the horses.
Her love of the outdoors remained throughout her 20s, when Kathy lived and worked on a local farm, enjoying how closely surrounded she was by the gentle creatures.
To help Kathy fulfil her wish, the team organised a visit to Michaelmas Farm, in Finchingfield.
Kathy was able to ride Hannah, a 22-year-old horse, as well as meet and help feed the other horses.
Speaking about the experience, she said: “It was one of the best days of my life – it was amazing to be back in the saddle and it felt very natural. I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to ride a horse again.”
The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying in a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.
Home manager Monica Boldeata said: “Kathy loves to talk about the weekends she spent riding when she was younger, so when she shared that her biggest dream was to give it a go again, the team knew they had to make it happen.
“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality.
“Kathy had a wonderful time meeting Hannah and the other horses – she hasn’t stopped smiling since and is already talking about going back.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Colne View and Michaelmas Farm for a fantastic day and for making Kathy’s wish come true.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here