Residents of Cloverleaf Care Home, nestled in the heart of Lincoln, recently experienced a day filled with joy, nostalgia, and connection thanks to an extraordinary visit from a miniature Shetland pony. This heartwarming event was made possible through the kindness initiative Drop Dead Generous, showcasing how small acts of creativity can spark big waves of happiness.
Situated on Long Leys Road and overlooking Lincoln’s scenic West Common, Cloverleaf Care Home is part of the award-winning Tanglewood Care Homes network. Known for its dedication to providing exceptional care and meaningful experiences, Cloverleaf boasts facilities such as a tea room, nail bar, home cinema, and vibrant activity calendar. But February 22nd brought something truly special—a visit from a pint-sized pony that delighted residents and staff alike.
The initiative was spearheaded by Bailey Greetham-Clark, founder of BeGreatFitness, in collaboration with Rainbow Dreaming CIC, an organisation specialising in therapeutic animal visits. The Shetland pony trotted through communal lounges and private rooms, offering residents the chance to interact with the gentle creature. For many, the experience evoked fond memories and brought smiles that lit up the care home.
Bailey reflected on the day:
“It was truly heartwarming to witness the smiles on the residents’ faces. Bringing a Shetland pony into the care home was a wonderful departure from our usual seated exercise sessions, and seeing the joy it brought to these remarkable individuals filled me with an immense sense of happiness.”
The visit was funded by Drop Dead Generous, a global kindness movement co-founded by John Sweeney (creator of Suspended Coffees) and Tom Cledwyn (former Meta leader turned TED collaborator). Their mission is simple: fund 1,000 outrageously kind ideas with $500 each over two years. Bailey’s idea exemplified their vision—bringing kindness to unexpected places and proving that generosity can come in all shapes and sizes (even fluffy ones!).
John Sweeney shared his thoughts on the initiative:
“Care homes and Shetland ponies aren’t something you get to mix every day, so we LOVED this idea from Bailey. Bringing a Shetland pony into a care home isn’t just a visit; it’s a moment of pure joy, nostalgia, and connection.”
Animal therapy has long been recognised for its ability to uplift spirits and improve emotional well-being—particularly in care settings like Cloverleaf. The Shetland pony’s visit provided sensory engagement through touch and interaction while fostering emotional growth through nonjudgmental companionship. Even residents who are typically reserved or withdrawn found themselves smiling and engaging with others.
This event highlights Cloverleaf Care Home’s commitment to enriching lives through innovative experiences. With 72 spacious ensuite rooms and tailored care plans ranging from residential care to dementia support, Cloverleaf continues to be a beacon of comfort and compassion in Lincoln.
Do you have an outrageously kind idea? Drop Dead Generous wants to hear it! Whether it’s wild, weird, or wonderfully heart-warming, this is your chance to make someone’s day brighter. Visit dropdeadgenerous.org to share your idea and apply for funding.
For more information about Rainbow Dreaming CIC’s animal therapy programs or Tanglewood Care Homes’ commitment to exceptional care experiences, visit:
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Tanglewood Care Homes
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Rainbow Dreaming CIC
This inspiring story reminds us that kindness knows no bounds—and sometimes it arrives on four tiny hooves!
