A much‑loved miniature horse with a powerful therapeutic story has made a special visit to Thames Hospice, as part of Royal Windsor Horse Show’s pre‑show community engagement, in partnership with equine‑assisted therapy specialists Happy Hooves Equine Ltd.
Deano is handled by Laura Stewart, founder of Happy Hooves Equine Ltd, whose work was inspired by her experience in the care and retirement home sector. Recognising the profound impact that interaction with horses can have on residents who no longer have access to them, Laura began introducing miniature horses into care settings. What started with a single visit quickly grew, and Happy Hooves Equine Ltd now works with a small team of specially selected horses, bringing comfort, connection and joy to care homes and community centres.
Alongside his therapeutic work, Deano will also step into the Showing spotlight at Royal Windsor Horse Show, competing under the show name Apollo’s Secret Legacy in the In‑Hand Non‑Native Coloured Pony class. Deano is bred and owned by Wendy Edgar and Louise Edgar‑Kingman and is registered with the British Miniature Horse Society as a British Miniature.
The visit to Thames Hospice forms part of Royal Windsor Horse Show’s wider commitment to engaging with the local community in the lead‑up to the Show, celebrating the positive role horses can play beyond the competition arena.
