On October 21, 2025, a pair of miniature therapy horses—17-year-old Pearl and 15-year-old Aiden—trotted into the Upper East Side of Manhattan to visit the residents at Sunrise at East 56th, a senior living facility. Their mission? To bring a moment of joy, companionship and a connection to something beautiful beyond the usual routine.
The gentle ambassadors of comfort
These aren’t your typical therapy dogs. The horses visited courtesy of HorseAbility, a Long Island-based nonprofit that specializes in miniature horse-led visitor programs for individuals of all ages—including seniors dealing with loneliness, anxiety or mobility constraints.
Pearl and Aiden calmly navigated tight hallways, rooms filled with wheelchairs, and even a balcony visit — all while remaining relaxed and accessible for residents to pet, hug or simply be near.
Memories stirred and spirits lifted
For many of the residents, this visit was more than just “cute animal time.” One resident, Joann Girsh, admitted that when Pearl rested her head in her lap she felt profoundly comforted:
“It just makes me feel so calm… I want to cry because it gives me hope that there are good things in this world.”
Others openly reminisced about childhoods spent around horses, or long-lost riding lessons. One staff member noted: “It’s a step above puppy therapy.” The simple presence of the horses prompted smiles, conversations, and a palpable shift in the atmosphere—far from typical institutional quiet.
Why miniature horses make a difference
The concept of animal-assisted interventions is booming—and the miniature horse approach has unique advantages:
Their size makes them less intimidating than full-sized horses, yet they retain the equine calm and presence.
They can enter indoor facilities, navigate elevators, and engage in tighter spaces typical of assisted-living homes.
Seniors often connect with them on a sensory level—touching soft muzzles, hearing gentle neighs or hoof beats, and simply experiencing a living creature respond to them. For example, HorseAbility emphasizes that its “Miniature Horse Companion Therapy Visitation Program” supports emotional, physical and social wellbeing.
In environments where seniors may be isolated or feel a loss of purpose, the visit of a calm, dignified animal can reignite engagement, spark stories, and reduce stress.
What this story tells us
When we think of “therapy animals,” we often picture dogs — but this story widens the scope: successful interventions can come from unexpected companions.
Age or setting should not limit the possibility of meaningful connection. The seniors at Sunrise at East 56th had an experience that transcended routine care.
Sometimes, the value lies not only in “fixing” something but in offering presence, soft touch, gentle responses, and a bridge to memories and hope.
For organizations and care facilities, it’s a reminder: little investments in novelty or animal-led engagement may deliver big emotional returns.
And lastly, for each of us: animals often mirror what we crave most — being seen, being safe, being valued. Even a miniature horse can give that.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
