MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — It was a rare opportunity for a group of senior citizens to make friends with a couple of miniature therapy horses.
They came in from the therapeutic HorseAbility center on Long Island to the Sunrise East 56th Street assisted living facility.
They walked with canes, some came in wheelchairs, and smiles filled their faces as they interacted with 15-year-old Aden and 17-year-old Pearl. These gentle ponies are specially trained to provide comfort and therapeutic interaction for seniors.
Facility resident Joann Girsh gushed, “It just makes me feel so calm. It makes me feel better. I was just touched by this animal, and I want to cry because it gave me hope that there are good things in this world. I truly love this animal.”
These therapy ponies are out every week making special visits to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals, and they have a lasting impact on the people they meet. Dani Green, Executive Director of the Sunrise at East 56th facility, said, “It’s amazing. It reduces anxiety, stress. We’re not just here to do Juilliard concerts every day. Pony therapy is a step above puppy therapy.”
Patti Pearlstein, originally from Brooklyn, said she misses her younger days when she rode horses. “I wish I could get up on stirrups and all. I really rode horses, but life changes. I can’t do that anymore.”
Denise Ryder, a HorseAbility volunteer, noted, “Horses can feel your heart beating from four feet away cause they meet these people who feel the calm energy, put their nose in their lap and just sit there and chill out with them.”
Known for their calm and patient demeanor, miniature therapy horses have a unique ability to connect with people of all ages, bringing happiness to everyone they meet, as they did with this group of senior citizens.”