showboat

I have a friend who works at a local nursing home and she wants me to come to their friends & family barbecue with one of the horses. They are having an animal theme so many people will be bringing in their pets for the patients to visit with. I thought it would be fun to do and hopefully fun for the patients.

bitsandbridles

That sounds like such a nice idea and I'm sure the folks at the nursing home would really enjoy that.

I would worry about the logistics of making this happen as bringing a horse is much different than say bringing a dog. But I'm sure you have thought all those things through.

alexis

It does indeed sound like something that is feasible pending all is planned out first hand. I am sure many would love the idea of the not so traditional cat and dog mix.

kerrits

So long as you make sure to allow your horse plenty of room and watch for signs of having had enough it should go well. Do they have a plan for you having somewhere to put your horse or roping off an area perhaps to make it less likely to get crowded in? Sounds like a fun idea indeed.

Shush

Very nice thing to do for the folks there. Offering the company of your horse is wonderful-all animals tend to be very therapeutic, and horses are great for that.

Mick

That sounds really cool to me also, Showboat! Be sure to let me know how it goes for you, and I hope that everyone has a fun time.

Not to mention, it should be an interesting experience for the horse as well!

Keep us updated, okay?

Sheraton

It sounds like an excellent idea, and definitely one that everybody will be able to enjoy! Just be sure that the horse has a "private area" that they can go to when they are getting tired or spooked I guess. You don't want to risk them getting too stressed. I hope they enjoy it!

showboat

For the poster who was concerned over the logistics of the nursing home visit, the horse will be outside the whole time - there really isn't any logistics to worry about other than cleaning any possible horse poo. We'll only be there for a couple of hours so that probably won't be a concern. I'm taking a very mellow older mare who is very good with people and other animals but if it gets too much for her we will leave early.

FluffNStuff

It sounds like you have it planned well, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You are aware of the possible issues, with her spooking or so on. Horses do this all the time, the only difference is that they are acclimatised more to it. Should be fine, really.

Mick

So, the BBQ apparently was on the 21st!

showboat, how did the event turn out?

Did everything go well for you, the horse, and the other guests?

I am looking forward to hearing an update about this