Miniature horses offer therapeutic benefits for older adults

Have you ever met a miniature horse? They're not only adorable, but they can offer therapeutic benefits as well.

That's why organizations like Mane in Heaven in Barrington, Illinois, exist.

Mane in Heaven provides therapy to people of all ages through animal-assisted activities and visits with mini horses. The mini horses visit hospitals, retirement communities, skilled nursing communities, schools and more.

Participants can visit with, pet, hug, walk and make memorable connections with the mini horses.

Danielle McCready, director of programs at Mane in Heaven, said horses are ideal therapy animals because they can sense what state people are in.

"A mini horse's tiny and docile nature allows people to easily engage with them," McCready said. "And, it improves their physical and emotional well-being."

Mane in Heaven's mini horses recently visited Chicago Methodist Senior Services' Wesley Place, a senior living community located in Andersonville, specializing in care for people with advanced memory loss.

McCready noted residents' physical and emotional transformations during the visit.

Adults with advanced memory loss sometimes have trouble communicating, but being around the mini horses allowed them to open up.

"One woman was so excited and finally got the words out to say, 'How old?' pointing to Tinkerbell, one of our mini horses," McCready said. "It was amazing. She lit up."

Sandra Navas, the senior billing coordinator at Chicago Methodist Senior Services who organized the Mane in Heaven visit, said when she learned about Mane in Heaven on Facebook, her heart told her it was something she needed to pursue. She said meeting the mini horses lifted residents' spirits and sparked conversations for several days.

Meeting the mini horses triggered some residents' memories of times they spent with horses and other animals throughout their lives. The horses' visit also encouraged residents to socialize with each other in a new way. Everyone at Chicago Methodist Senior Services who met the mini horses had an opportunity to take a break from whatever they may be going through emotionally or physically.

"One resident said, 'This is the best day ever,'" McCready said. "It's that break from what you're going through - here's this little horse you can pet and love and engage with."

• Bill Lowe is the president and CEO of Chicago Methodist Senior Services, a nonprofit provider of memory care; skilled nursing; supportive and assisted living; cardiac, orthopedic, neurologic and general medical rehabilitation; and other aging services. Visit www.cmsschicago.org or www.facebook.com/cmsschicago/.