Mini Therapy Horses: Spreading Joy Through Music and Miniature Horses in California Hospitals
A nonprofit organization in California is bringing joy and comfort to hospital patients through the power of music. Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, the founder of Mini Therapy Horses, has trained nine miniature horses to play the piano using their muzzles. These horses visit hospitals, schools, and other locations to entertain and comfort people in Southern California. The horses are well-behaved and can perform tricks like standing on their hind legs and giving high-fives. They bring smiles to the faces of patients, including those recovering from surgery or dealing with PTSD.
Nodiff-Netanel's love for horses began in her childhood, and she eventually bought her first horse, Macbeth, while studying at the California Institute of the Arts. After discovering the joy that horses brought her, she decided to share that joy with others. She founded Mini Therapy Horses in 2008 and started visiting hospitals with her first miniature horse, Black Pearl. The idea to teach Pearl to play the piano came to Nodiff-Netanel during a piano session in her living room, and the rest is history.
The miniature horses at Mini Therapy Horses are trained to interact with people in various settings, from hospitals to schools. They are acclimated to loud noises and touch and respond to hand signals from Nodiff-Netanel. The horses receive treats as rewards for their training progress, which can take up to two years. They visit hospitals, schools, and communities across California, bringing comfort and joy to those they meet. The horses have become local celebrities, with one video of Pearl playing the keyboard going viral on Instagram.
The horses' visits to hospitals, including the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, have had a profound impact on patients. The horses' ability to sense emotions and provide comfort through music has touched the hearts of many. Patients at the VA hospital look forward to the horses' visits, singing along to songs and interacting with the therapy animals. The hospital plans to continue supporting the horses' musical careers for years to come, recognizing the positive impact they have on patients' well-being.
In conclusion, Mini Therapy Horses is a unique organization that uses music and miniature horses to bring joy and comfort to hospital patients and others in Southern California. Through their visits and musical performances, these therapy horses have become beloved members of the community, spreading happiness wherever they go.