Townsville aged care residents benefit from horse-sized animal therapy

You might expect to see wheelchairs and walking frames in the corridors of an aged care facility, but you might not expect to see a 850-kilogram horse.

Guvnor, or "Guv", is a Clydesdale-cross-Percheron and has regularly been visiting two Townsville aged care homes offering residents the opportunity to cuddle, pat and kiss him as part of an animal therapy program.

"This gave me a sense of purpose, gave me something I could do to help and to bring a bit of joy and bring joy and enrichment to Dad," she said.

Ms Askey-Doran's dad, Phil Askey-Doran, moved into care when his dementia developed.

Please click here to read the rest of the article as it appears on the ABC Rural News website.

Article written by: Nathalie Fernbach and Hannah Palmer