A Birthday to Remember: Wendy Reunites with her love of Horses

At Right at Home Hempstead, we are always striving to create meaningful moments and support our clients in living fulfilled, joyful lives.

This week, we had the privilege of making a very special birthday wish come true for our wonderful client Wendy — and it was a day none of us will soon forget.

Wendy has always had a deep love of horses. For many years, she owned and cared for her own, and her stories about those days are always shared with joy, pride, and laughter during her care visits. Although Wendy has not been able to spend time with horses recently, the memories and affection she holds for them have never faded. Her eyes light up whenever she talks about the bond she shared with her horses and the sense of peace she found in the stables.

One of our dedicated Care Assistants, Lynn, has listened to those stories for some time. Not only is Lynn a compassionate and thoughtful member of our Right at Home team — she is also a horse owner herself. She has long hoped to create the opportunity for Wendy to meet her horses, Maple and Roo, knowing how much it could mean to her.

Lynn kindly opened up her home and stable to welcome Wendy for a surprise birthday visit. Deputy Manager Nikki and Care Coordinator Dan were delighted to support Wendy on the journey and be part of the celebration. Even Patch, Lynn’s friendly dog, joined in, proudly walking alongside the group as they headed down to the stables - tail wagging and clearly excited to be involved!

The moment Wendy saw Maple and Roo was truly magical. Her face filled with joy. She greeted them with gentle familiarity, speaking softly as though no time at all had passed since she had last been around horses. She fed Maple and Roo carrots and ginger biscuits - much to their absolute delight - and they nuzzled her affectionately in return.

As Wendy stroked and fussed over them, memories flowed naturally. She told us where she used to keep her horses, the routines she followed, and the countless happy hours she spent with them. Everyone could see how much this meant to her - her smile was warm and constant. It was as if she had stepped right back into a cherished part of her life. The experience brought a wonderful spark and energy to her, leaving her beaming with a lightness and excitement that was beautiful to witness.

To add to the celebration, Lynn had prepared homemade sausage rolls - a thoughtful and delicious touch - and her daughter had baked a lovely birthday cake to share. The group gathered together with refreshments, chatting, laughing, and marking Wendy’s special day with warmth and kindness.

This visit wasn’t just about birthdays or outings - it was about connection. It was about listening to the things that matter to the people we support and creating moments that honour who they are and what they love.

At Right at Home Hempstead, we know that quality care is not just about meeting needs - it’s about nurturing happiness, identity, and a sense of belonging.

We are incredibly proud of Lynn for her generosity and thoughtfulness, and of Nikki and Dan for their support in making this moment possible. This is care at its very best -  compassionate, personal, and filled with heart.