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PICTURES: Tiny therapy pony and chihuahua head up charity walk for Wick care home residents and raise over £700





A model and riding stables owner from Lyth headed up a fundraising walk along with her therapy horse, Mr Bojangles, and pet chihuahua, Louis Vuitton.

Natalie Oag runs the Horsin’ Around stables and set off from John O’Groats back to her base in Lyth, walking a full 12 miles, to raise money for the Seaview Care Home in Wick.

Natalie Oag with Mr Bojangles the horse and her loyal companion, Louis the chihuahua all set to kickstart the event. Natalie created special charity T-shirts for the walk. Pictures: Ray Hilton and Brian Higman
Natalie Oag with Mr Bojangles the horse and her loyal companion, Louis the chihuahua all set to kickstart the event. Natalie created special charity T-shirts for the walk. Pictures: Ray Hilton and Brian Higman
Natalie Oag, together with Mr Bojangles the horse, Louis the chihuahua, and a group of supporters, started their charity walk from John O'Groats.
Natalie Oag, together with Mr Bojangles the horse, Louis the chihuahua, and a group of supporters, started their charity walk from John O'Groats.
Natalie previously entertained residents of Seaview Care Home with her tiny therapy pony.
Natalie previously entertained residents of Seaview Care Home with her tiny therapy pony.

Natalie said on the day of the walk (Sunday, June 8): “Louis Vuitton has raised thousands of pounds throughout the years, from climbing up Ben Nevis to raise £6000 in aid of Soi Dog charity to walking Snowdon.”

She added that the tiny dog “proudly walked beside his therapy buddy Mr Bojangles”, and raised over £700 in charity funds for the Wick care home.

“Mr Bojangles, the tiny therapy pony, did an amazing job for his first charity walk. He was accompanied by his fan club and supporters, including our special guest, who joined us for the walk, activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan, the guardian angel of the Seaview Care Home.

The escort vehicle called Bluebell kept the walkers safe along the route from John 0’Groats.
The escort vehicle called Bluebell kept the walkers safe along the route from John 0’Groats.

“Mr Bojangles and Louis Vuitton, both rescues themselves, loved doing something special for an amazing lady in the care home called Marna Stephen, who is very special to me and the closest person I have to a granny.

“I wanted to do something nice for Marna and her friends at the Seaview Care Home, so I thought that Mr Bojangles and Louis could do a charity walk. Every penny raised went straight to the Seaview residents’ fund, helping to support more fun-filled outings for the vibrant community there.”

Mr Bojangles and Louis Vuitton walking side by side with their fan club. The youngest, age 8, was Scarlett, and 74-year-old Jean was the oldest.
Mr Bojangles and Louis Vuitton walking side by side with their fan club. The youngest, age 8, was Scarlett, and 74-year-old Jean was the oldest.

Carina says that at Seaview, “life certainly doesn’t slow down”. The residents are no strangers to adventure, regularly seen out and about locally and beyond.

She added: “From cruising down Loch Ness with Jacobite Tours, visiting the local fire service or the RNLI. Enjoying the sweet smells and a tour at Reid’s Bakery or receiving warm hospitality and gin tasting at Rock Rose distillery in Dunnet.

“The activities are as varied as they are meaningful. Not to mention the weekly swimming where resident Bruce Player (99) has turned into quite the aqua king alongside his pal Peter Budge.

At the halfway mark, Natalie had a surprise visit from her aunt and uncle, a retired submariner, who brought some treats for Mr Bojangles and Louis Vuitton. 'They drove all the way from Dornoch to surprise us,' said Natalie.
At the halfway mark, Natalie had a surprise visit from her aunt and uncle, a retired submariner, who brought some treats for Mr Bojangles and Louis Vuitton. 'They drove all the way from Dornoch to surprise us,' said Natalie.
Big smiles from therapy horse Mr Bojangles.
Big smiles from therapy horse Mr Bojangles.

“At Seaview, the philosophy is simple but powerful; just because it’s another chapter in their lives doesn’t mean it has to be a quiet one. All activities are thoughtfully tailored to suit each resident’s abilities and preferences, ensuring life remains full of joy, discovery, and connection.”

Natalie said: “I’m so proud of Mr Bojangles and little Louis, they really were the superstars.

“Thank you to our support vehicle for keeping us all safe, and thank you to the fan club for supporting us on the long journey.”

The two 'mini size superheroes' enjoying a well deserved rest and a drink beside the Horsin’ Around sign marking the finishing post. 'Everyone cheered them over the line,' said Natalie.
The two 'mini size superheroes' enjoying a well deserved rest and a drink beside the Horsin’ Around sign marking the finishing post. 'Everyone cheered them over the line,' said Natalie.

Photographer Ray Hilton, who took some of the images reproduced here, said: “ The journey was adorable and Natalie was like Mary Poppins with all these children following and dancing behind her with the animals. It really was delightful to see.”

The day after the walk, Natalie said: “Mr Bojangles and Louis are running around today, and you would never believe they had done over 12 miles yesterday.”

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