A WINCHESTER care home resident has ticked off the first item on a list of 10 things she wants to do before she turns 100, with a spot of horse riding.
Joyce Ward, a resident at Colten Care’s St Catherines View, isn’t resting on her laurels as she approaches her 100th birthday in May.
Her ‘bucket list’ includes riding in a fast car and a steam train.
Naomi Rides, a companion at St Catherines View said: “Joyce may be turning 100 soon, but she certainly hasn’t lost any of her sense of adventure.
“She asked my colleague Laura Sheldrake to make the list and I have the pleasure of helping her make these wishes a reality.”
Joyce was a rider in her younger years and said she would love to be close to a horse again, so Laura approached Broadlands Group Riding for the Disabled in Medstead, near Alton, which rose magnificently to the challenge.
“This wonderful stable is focused on helping as many people to ride as possible regardless of their abilities,” said Naomi.
“They have an adapted carriage which allows people in wheelchairs to enjoy a carriage ride and after weeks of anticipation and feeling excited, Joyce enjoyed her ride.”
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Joyce’s granddaughter Hilary Bloomfield and her husband Kevin Bloomfield also went along to join in the fun and the carriage was pulled by a horse called George.
Naomi said: “Everything was done so well and everyone at the stables was just so wonderful with Joyce, making sure she felt safe, secure and happy at all times.”
When asked about the experience Joyce said: “It was lovely and George was very handsome.”
Naomi continued: “We couldn’t have found a more perfect place for Joyce to enjoy this wonderful experience.
“Now we are planning which of her bucket list experiences to focus on next.”
Joyce’s full bucket list is: going in a boat, cooking a meal for everyone at St Catherines View, using a sewing machine, a ride in a fast car, a visit to a chocolate factory, a visit to the forest, a visit to a castle, throwing an American-themed party and a steam train ride.
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