Horses occupy a very special place in my heart, and miniature horses are incredible animals.
I have known about therapy dogs and cats for decades. These miraculous animals have brought joy and hope to millions of hospitalized patients. Their healing and comforting powers have been well documented.
Miniature horses are the latest animals to offer hope, comfort and healing to hospitalized patients. Miniature horses typically weigh about 100 pounds, and are about the size of a Labrador retriever. Miraculously, miniature horses can be trained to walk with a harness, socialize, pose for the camera, conquer their fear of elevators, and even be housebroken. Patients can pet them and nuzzle their faces. Both horse and patient bask in this incredible bond.
Chronic problems of patients have been documented as instantaneously improved as a result of contact with miniature therapy horses. Many patients demonstrate an immediate decrease in heart rate and respiratory rate as a result of visits by miniature therapy horses.
And miniature horses are incredibly adorable! Both the patients and medical staff of hospitals bond with these phenomenal animals. And the miniature horses seem to enjoy the attention every bit as much as the humans. So if you happen to see a miniature horse in a hospital, wearing booties to shield her slippery hooves from hospital floors, remember that all horses, of whatever size, are truly a gift from God.