Maragaret’s dreams of reliving cherished memories from her childhood came true when she was invited to spend the day with Layer Marney Horse Drawn Carriages.

Margaret lives at Okeley Care Home in Chelmsford and recently, during a catch-up session with a member of the team, Margaret recalled fond memories spent with her grandad on his farm. She would help him with odd jobs around the farm and ride horses around his land. These are cherished memories for Margaret and she said she would do anything to relive those moments again.

Hearing Margaret's memories touched team members at Okeley and they came away with an ambition to make Margaret’s dreams come true!

They first contacted Layer Marney Horse Drawn Carriages, a small family business in Colchester. Their horse and carriage services cater to different types of events including weddings, proms, funerals, and those who want a country horse-drawn carriage ride. Team members from Okeley told them all about Margaret’s memories with horses and asked if they would be able to help make her dreams come true. The team from Layer Marney said they would be happy to help, and invited Margaret to spend a day at their stables with their horses.

The team was very grateful and couldn’t wait to tell Margaret the news. When they did, Margaret’s face lit up with glee and the countdown to her day at the stables began.

On the morning of the trip, Margaret was accompanied by two team members from Okeley Care Home. When they arrived at the stables, the group was greeted by owners Paulette and Alan, and their friendly yard dogs.

Margaret was then shown to the stables to meet the horses. She was smiling from cheek to cheek as she went to each pen to meet the horses, giving them a big fuss and a scratch on the nose.

Paulette and Alan then offered to take Margaret on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the local villages. She jumped at the chance and took a seat in the back of the carriage. Led by two black Friesians, King and Arno, Margaret was taken on a scenic route of the local area with some stunning views of the countryside.

Margaret then told Paulette and Alan fond memories about her childhood and the horses she used to ride with her Grandad. They were touched to hear her stories and how these special moments have lasted a lifetime!

Before heading back home, Margaret met resident donkeys, Dick and Dom and had another cuddle with Nelly the dog.

With the help of Alan and Paulette of Layer Marney Horse Drawn Carriages, Margaret's dreams of reliving cherished childhood memories came true.