On the Upper East Side, senior residents at the Sunrise Senior Living Center participated in a visit from two miniature therapy horses. Pearl, aged 17, and Aiden, aged 15, were brought into the activity room, providing residents with a different type of interaction. One resident shared her reaction with ABC7NY, saying, "Gives all of us old people a little hope, you know, a little pleasure. They are darling, Oh, I love them, I want to take them home."
The therapy horses came from HorseAbility, a Long Island-based therapeutic riding center that works with children's hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. In an interview with PIX11, it was noted that residents at the center engaged with the horses, including those using canes and wheelchairs. One resident, Joann Girsh, expressed her experience by saying, "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."
Research indicates that therapy animals, including miniature horses, may have effects that extend beyond novelty. Alyssa Friedman from Sunrise East 56th highlighted some of the observed outcomes, telling ABC7NY that for seniors "coping with depression, anxiety, this is the best way to bring out their spirits." These visits are intended to provide temporary relief from the daily challenges experienced by residents at the center.
Denise Ryder, a volunteer from HorseAbility, noticed a special bond between the horses and people. She said the horses can feel a person's heartbeat nearby and respond by calmly resting their nose on them, which helps people feel relaxed. Dani Green, Executive Director at Sunrise at East 56th, said the horses help reduce anxiety and stress, calling pony therapy a unique kind of animal therapy.
