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Miniature horses provide comfort for elderly

Charmer and Mystery, two miniature horses from Mane in Heaven, recently visited with the elderly at the Older Adult Services program of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Clients include individuals with early Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as those struggling with the effects of stroke and Parkinson's disease.

Mane in Heaven started in 2012 in Lake in the Hills. The miniature horses, registered through Pet Partners, a pioneer of animal-assisted therapy, visit nursing homes and hospitals. They are specially trained and have passed extensive testing to provide comfort and healing to those in need, much like traditional therapy dogs.

When they came to visit, the horses were wearing gym shoes provided by sponsor Teddy Mountain to help prevent slipping on inside floors and hallways.

Acting on commands, they brought huge smiles, laughter and love to the participants. The horses got lots of hugs and kisses as they met their admirers.

Mane in Heaven, which has seven horses, is an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit with 45 volunteers. For information, visit www.maneinheaven.org.

Older Adult Services began in 1980 and offers a wide range of unique programs to assist older adults and their families. For information, visit www.advocatehealth.com/luth-older-adult-services.

Mane in Heaven mini therapy horses are trained to provide comfort and healing to those in need, much like therapy dogs. Courtesy of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
A therapy horse from Mane in Heaven offers comfort to seniors at the Older Adult Services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Courtesy of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Charmer, a mini therapy horse, brought huge smiles, laughter and love recently to participants of the Older Adult Services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Courtesy of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Mane in Heaven volunteers put shoes on Mystery to keep him from slipping on the floors at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Courtesy of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Charmer, a therapy horse from Mane in Heaven, offers comfort to seniors at the Older Adult Services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Courtesy of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
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