Dear Cathy,
We wanted to tell you about a new pet that is making the rounds in the pet therapy world – miniature horses. We have 30 minis and have been working with them for 25 years. Miniature horses live about 25 years, but many of ours are into their 30’s.
We believe the minis are ideal as pet therapy animals for many reasons. They are quiet, intelligent, and well-behaved. They can go most anywhere, even in elevators, and have no hesitation in navigating the slippery floors of a long-term care facility. If they poop, it can be handled with a minimum effort. They are curious and want to greet each visitor. And they don’t need a large paddock.
Some people visit our herd at our farm, where we cater to senior groups with varying needs and children with special needs. Many of the special needs children who visit seem calmed by the horses. We also take the horses to visit various senior facilities. The seniors always want to leave their rooms to touch and groom our horses. Even those who no longer communicate may smile or touch a horse.
In addition, we take our horses to some facilities for extended periods, where they are looked after by the faculty staff and become part of their recreation programs. (Our programs are discussed in more detail in “The Big Book of Miniature Horses” by Kendra Gale). Our horses are treated kindly, and the frequent handling has a payoff. They thrive on the added attention and come home from those facilities calm, relaxed, and well-groomed. These programs ensure regular working of the horses and, ultimately, better conditioning and performance.
We realize miniature horses are not for everyone, but we wanted to let you know that they do make wonderful therapy pets, driving horses, and equine friends. – Pete and Terry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dear Pete and Terry,
Thank you for sharing your incredible work with miniature horses. It’s fascinating to learn how these intelligent and gentle animals are making such a difference in the lives of so many people. Miniature horses bring a unique presence to the world of pet therapy. Your description of their adaptability and calm demeanor is compelling. Their ability to navigate environments like elevators and slippery nursing home floors with ease while remaining curious and eager to engage with visitors makes them ideal for therapy work. The fact that they can bring so much joy to seniors, even encouraging those who rarely communicate to smile or reach out, speaks volumes about their therapeutic impact.
It’s particularly heartwarming to hear how they connect with individuals in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Animals often bridge emotional and social gaps, offering companionship and comfort that’s hard to replicate. For residents who may feel isolated, the opportunity to touch, groom, or simply sit with any animal can be transformative, fostering a sense of connection and well-being. Equine therapy has long been recognized for its numerous physical, emotional, and psychological benefits, offering a unique form of healing that combines the calming presence of horses with purposeful, therapeutic interactions. Traditionally used in outdoor settings like riding programs, equine therapy helps improve physical strength, balance, and coordination while fostering emotional growth and mental well-being. The mere presence of horses has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood, making them invaluable partners in therapy programs for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Their longevity, intelligence, and gentle nature make them a wonderful addition to the growing field of animal-assisted therapy.
On a related note, for anyone inspired by your story to consider adding a miniature horse—or any pet—to their family, it’s essential to ensure the decision is well thought out. Pets, whether big or small, are lifelong commitments. For those unsure, gifting a book about pet care, a farm visit, or even a gift card for supplies is a thoughtful way to encourage someone’s interest while giving them the time to prepare.
Thank you again for sharing your story.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal