“I have ME [Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)] & Hypermobility Syndrome and need significant amounts of bedrest to manage my health. Sometimes the loneliness of being at home and missing out on life can be overwhelming.” Mandy began coming to spend time with therapy pony Quincy in our ‘Quiet Corner’ sessions in 2024, and shares what this has meant to her.
During the Covid pandemic our activities here at Muirfield Riding Therapy were severely restricted due to social distancing regulations. In response to this we, like other RDA groups throughout the UK, looked at activities we could offer to individuals and smaller numbers of participants.
One of the therapeutic activities we developed is Quiet Corner. This non-ridden service has continued to grow since then, and allowed us to welcome more people to our Centre. Mandy and therapy pony Quincy have been working together in Quiet Corner recently.
I have ME [(Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)] & Hypermobility Syndrome and need significant amounts of bedrest to manage my health. Sometimes the loneliness of being at home and missing out on life can be overwhelming. That’s why I enjoy Quiet Time with Quincy.
Grooming Quincy
Mandy is pictured grooming Quincy, who has been enjoying rolling in his muddy field! During Quiet Corner, participants have the opportunity to just be in the moment with another sentient being. In the hush of the activity, they can benefit from the soothing effect on the senses; listening to the pony chomp, watch as the muscles in his neck gurgle as he drinks, smell the earthiness and of course the touch of his coat and softness of his muzzle.
Mandy says,
It’s an activity you can take at your own pace. With energy to brush his coat in one session or others when a simple neck rub is my limit; getting to know this fine Welsh pony and learning how to take care of him has been brilliant. Quincy is a mood-boosting pony. The people at MRT are really nice too!
While there is scientific evidence about the increase in well-being brought about by being close to animals, such as the slowing of the heart rate, we know instinctively that time spent in equine company is a tonic for participants and volunteers.
Mandy has shared two organisation links for more information:
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
Support our Therapy Ponies – Buy a Bale Winter Appeal
Our Buy A Bale Winter Appeal, which runs until the end of February, aims to raise awareness of the impact our therapy ponies, Like Quincy, have for our participants, and to raise funds to support their care over the winter months. Click here to buy a ‘bale’ for our incredible therapy ponies this winter, and we’ll add it to our ‘Hay Barn’ here in our reception at our Centre! Choose from a Wee, Family or Big Bale, and help us to continue to provide our therapy free-of-charge so it is accessible to all who need it.
