The warm fuzzy benefits of companion animals in aged care homes are well known. But how big is too big to snuggle up to Nan or Pop?

It's visiting time at Rathgar Lodge Aged Care facility on the NSW north coast, and two of the world's biggest horses are regular guests to the facility at Ulmarra, on the banks of the Clarence River.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 27 seconds 27 s Clydesdales are regular guests at a NSW aged care centre. ( Elloise Farrow-Smith )

When the horses arrive at Rathgar Lodge, a steady procession of wheelchairs and walking frames move into the courtyard.

Last but not least is Ron Jones. It takes a little longer to get his bed out. He doesn't want to miss out but mobility is an issue for Ron who suffers from Parkinson's disease and is bed-ridden. The Clydesdales are the spark in his day.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Listen Duration: 5 minutes 8 seconds 5 m A Big Country: Clydesdales come to visit Download 2.4 MB

Many of the residents recall their days in the saddle. Though, as Alison Trevithick exclaims, noting the huge size of William the Clydesdale: "You'd have to do the splits to get on his back".

It all began with a misunderstanding when activities officer Kay Britchard said yes to an equine visit from Scott Naylor's Clydesdales.

Kay Britchard is the first to admit she doesn't really know horses — in her mind she was thinking Shetland pony size.

"So I was surprised to see how big they were myself," Ms Britchard said.

Clydesdale owner Scott Naylor introduces 'Angus' to John 'Tracker' Harold and Noel Ellem. ( ABC North Coast: Elloise Farrow-Smith )

The Clydesdales' owner, Scott Naylor, works as an aged care nurse at Rathgar Lodge.

He said it was the residents who roped him into the idea — one that he was initially nervous about.

"They are such a big animal, they've got big feet and they've only got to step and tread and they may do damage," Mr Naylor said.

"But after the first five minutes, I realised the horses knew that they weren't allowed to do that and they just stood there.

"They have like a sixth sense where they know that these people are frail and they are such a gentle animal."

Resident John 'Tracker' Harold said being close to the horses was wonderful and triggered childhood memories.

"It takes me back 70 years, the best part of my life," Mr Harold said.

"It's terrific, they haven't changed one bit, they are the most intelligent animal I've ever seen in my life."

His mate, Noel Ellem, agreed.

"You can go up and pat them and they'll snuggle up to you," Mr Ellem said.

Scott Naylor's son, Tully, also helps with the Clydesdales. ( ABC North Coast: Elloise Farrow-Smith )

There are lots of laughs and no fear when the Clydesdale makes its appearance.

Alison Trevithick, also a Rathgar resident, has spent her life around horses.

"They are always calm, Clydesdales, they are calm, placid horses, lovely, they're just such gentle giants," Ms Trevithick said.

Mr Naylor said giving new life to old memories was his greatest joy.

"When they see these horses, I think it brings back a lot of memories because a lot of people in country areas worked with horses and seeing these big horses, they remember them pulling the milk cart up the driveway," Mr Naylor said.

Activities officer Kay Britchard said animals were especially therapeutic for those who could not get out of their beds.

Studies have shown how our emotional health improves around animals.

"The smiles on their faces and they talk about it for days, especially our high care patients — they absolutely love it," she said.

The clip-clop of the Clydesdale is now part of life for these happy senior citizens.