Children enjoy seeing Shetland ponies up close in Portishead

Children at The Nursery in Portishead had a surprise visit from two Shetland ponies.

The ponies, from Sperrings Farm and Equestrian in Clapton-in-Gordano, were pleased for the children to brush them and also to put bows and headbands on them, when they were taken to the centre in Combe Road this week.

Animal owners Bex and Sally Letts, said: “The ponies are very used to children as we hold pony parties and play dates at the farm and the ponies love all the attention.

“We decided to visit nurseries because while most children have come across pets like cats and dogs, some have never been up close with horses and ponies.

“The children seemed delighted and showed a great deal of interest asking all sorts of questions ranging from what ponies like to eat and where they sleep to how they got from their stables all the way to the nursery.”

The Nursery’s owner Jackie Hardie said: “Children can gain so much from an animal visit like this.

“It allows them to learn more about looking after and interacting with animals.

“It also helps their sensory development, but above all it’s lots of fun.”