At the Orléans University Hospital, in the La Source district, the atmosphere was festive last week.
Upon entering the hospital premises, patients (and other visitors) were greeted in a western atmosphere, with a stand with balloons, hostesses with cowboy hats screwed on their heads. Then, a little further on, horses and ponies.
“It also does good for the healthcare staff”
Audrey Prévost, deputy director of the Magie à l’hôpital association, explains that that afternoon was devoted to equestrian activities for children. “The goal of this event is to bring a break to sick children to get them out of their daily lives. It also does good for the nursing staff.”
The children, with varying degrees of apprehension, climbed onto the ponies with the assistance of Tiphaine Kayser, co-manager of the Kings Valley Ranch company in Vitry-au-Loges. After a few metres, the tight smiles gave way to bursts of laughter, Ethan, after having timidly started lassoing, started the activities again with a smile. Others dangled a carrot for the horses under the supervision of Christophe Kayser, professional rider and co-manager of the company: “We came free of charge with two horses and two ponies at the request of Audrey Prévost, who is a friend.”
The latter specifies that “Magic at the hospital has existed since 2006. We put on magic shows in the pediatric wards and we make children’s dreams come true. Last year, three hundred were performed. The success of the event is the result of the collaboration between the hospital staff, partners and the association of which Éric Antoine has been the sponsor for ten years.”
Contact. Magic in the hospital: https://www.magie-hopital.com
