Finding an 850kg horse in the corridor of an aged care facility isn’t something you’d expect, but a Queensland home has introduced horse therapy for its residents.

The Bolton Clarke, facility in Townsville has been using animal therapy for several years with amazing results.

Diversional therapist, Chezz Thompson, welcomed the idea of bringing Guv, a Clydesdale-cross-Percheron into the facility, however, she did not expect him to be so large.

She says, "I was expecting pony-size but when it was a Clydesdale, my mouth dropped and even I was a bit intimidated, but our residents love him."

Ms Thompson said the mental health outcomes have been extremely positive especially with residents that have a limited cognitive ability.

Residents at the aged care facility book in advance to see Guvnor when he visits where they get the opportunity for a cuddle, a pat and a kiss. 

Ms Thompson says, “There’s some kind of mental connection especially with dementia patients who don’t look up.  Guv brings their eyes up”

Guv’s had a couple of little accidents, but it just adds to the idea of mental health with added fertiliser.