You might expect to see wheelchairs and walking frames in the corridors of an aged care facility, but you might not expect to see a 850-kilogram horse.

Key points: Equine therapy offers mental health benefits to residents at aged care homes in Townsville

Equine therapy offers mental health benefits to residents at aged care homes in Townsville The aged care homes have used small dogs for animal therapy for years and have seen positive outcomes in residents

The aged care homes have used small dogs for animal therapy for years and have seen positive outcomes in residents Horse therapy is used for children as well, helping them develop life skills and address mental health issues

Guvnor, or "Guv", is a Clydesdale-cross-Percheron and has regularly been visiting two Townsville aged care homes offering residents the opportunity to cuddle, pat and kiss him as part of an animal therapy program.

"When Dad came into full-time care, I felt really helpless," Guv's owner, Ruth Askey-Doran said.

"This gave me a sense of purpose, gave me something I could do to help and to bring a bit of joy and bring joy and enrichment to Dad," she said.

Ms Askey-Doran's dad, Phil Askey-Doran, moved into care when his dementia developed.

Guv and Mr Askey-Doran developed a special connection and Ms Askey-Doran said on the days she brought the horse to visit, her father was more responsive.

"Often with dementia patients they don't look up. They look down in front of them and Guv brings their eyes up," Ms Askey-Doran said.

"Because I'm so close to the horse, Dad then looks at me and being seen is such a big thing," she said.

Guvnor has a special connection with horse owner Ruth Askey-Doran's father, Phil. ( ABC North Queensland: Nathalie Fernbach )

Animal therapy benefits are obvious

Diversional therapist, Chezz Thompson, said the Bolton Clarke aged care facilities in Townville have been using animal therapy for several years with great results.

Ms Thompson said she welcomed the idea of bringing Guv into the facility, however, she did not expect him to be so large.

"I was expecting pony-size but when it was a Clydesdale, my mouth dropped and even I was a bit intimidated, but our residents love him," she said.

Animal visitors have been so popular that residents booked in to see them in advance.

Ms Thompson said the mental health outcomes have been extremely positive.

"Residents that have a limited cognitive ability, I find that there seems to be a mental connection," Ms Thompson said.

"When Guv looks at the resident and the resident looks into the horse's eye, there seems to be some kind of relaxing connection so it's very beautiful to watch."

Interacting with Guvnor brings joy to the residents at Bolton Clarke aged care in Townsville. ( ABC North Queensland: Hannah Palmer )

Equine therapy not just for the elderly

School chaplain Erin Wilson developed a program called Mane Matters six years ago when she was working as a horse program manager at a trail riding facility.

The program used horsemanship to help participants to reduce anxiety and develop trust, resilience and self worth.

Ms Wilson has now been integrating the Mane Matters program into her work as a school chaplain, and has been seeing between 30 and 50 students with her 15 horses.

"I've had parents who tell me how it's improved their child's confidence, and I've had participants who have told me the program has saved their life when they had been suicidal," she said.

"It's just amazing what happens and what people share."

Erin Wilson runs the horsemanship program Mane Matters and sees a difference in the children involved. ( Supplied: Erin Wilson )

Mental health with added fertiliser

Despite his size, Guv was very gentle during his monthly visits to the aged care homes.

Ms Askey-Doran said Guv became emotionally tuned-in to the residents.

"He senses when people are very unwell and he often gets a real sense of sadness about him and gets quite soft," she said.

In addition to brightening the residents' days, Ms Thompson said the garden benefited from Guv's visits as well.

"Guv's had a couple of little accidents but you clean it up quickly and follow the right procedures," she said.

"When he does have an accident, our gardens love it here so the more manure the better."