A PEEBLESSHIRE pensioner was left “speechless” when two of his horses moved into the grounds of St Ronan’s Care Home.

For years Kenny Anderson has had a passion for ponies.

And recently, he was reunited with his miniature Shetlands, Dynamite and Ben, who will now live on site at the Innerleithen facility.

Julie Cleghorn, team leader at St Ronan’s told us: “Here at St Ronan’s we are very proud and privileged to have our very own miniature Shetland ponies – Dynamite and Ben.

“These ponies belong to Mr Anderson who is now a resident at St Ronan’s.

“Kenny has shared a passion for ponies for many years and it was very evident that moving into the care home was a big loss to his daily living skills. So, during a recent review with his family members Drew and Caroline and social worker Laura Chisholm, it was agreed that we would try and bring the ponies back into Kenny’s life again.”

St Ronan’s is no stranger to welcoming animals, with the Velvet Hall alpacas making appearances in the past.

And Julie said it was not just Kenny who was enjoying spending time with new arrivals.

She added: “They have been a great success so far and have brought joy and a smile to Kenny since they arrived . Kenny’s words were ‘I was speechless when I saw them’.

“Kenny is delighted to show them off to people and other residents now make it a daily visit to the grounds to check on the ponies and show them off to their own families.

“Studies show that animals are a great therapy for people living with dementia, particularly ponies who offer emotional comfort and happiness.

“Kenny looks after them, but we even have a staff member who goes out and helps him with the poo picking.”