Miniature Therapy Horses Trained to Play Keyboard in Hospitals for Veterans and Sick Children (Exclusive)

Miniature Therapy Horses are being trained to play the keyboard in hospitals as a unique form of therapy for veterans and sick children. Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, the founder of Mini Therapy Horses, initiated this innovative approach with her miniature horse, Pearl, back in 2008. The company, now consisting of nine horses, extends their services to hospitals, schools, fire departments, and other locations requiring additional care. Nodiff-Netanel shared her exclusive insights with PEOPLE, shedding light on the journey that led to this viral idea.

As a dedicated horse enthusiast and former dressage rider, Nodiff-Netanel envisioned merging her passion for horses with community service, eventually culminating in the establishment of Mini Therapy Horses. The pivotal moment came when she started training Pearl for various activities, sparking the idea to utilise horses in aiding people. Nodiff-Netanel’s lack of prior experience in animal therapy did not deter her; instead, she took gradual steps with her first horse, eventually transforming Pearl into the organisation’s premier therapy horse.

Driven by her father’s military background, Nodiff-Netanel directed their initial visits to a local veterans hospital in California. This compassionate initiative entailed engaging with veterans in intensive care units and psychiatric wards, providing support to individuals facing various challenges such as homelessness and addiction. The horses’ presence was noted to have a remarkably calming influence, fostering social, emotional, and spiritual development among the recipients.

The interactions between individuals and the therapy horses were described as deeply profound, enabling emotional and spiritual connections that might not be easily forged in other settings. The horses’ ability to elicit tranquillity and facilitate heartfelt moments, especially in hospital environments, underscored the significant impact of such therapy programmes. Nodiff-Netanel highlighted these therapeutic encounters as magical, attributing the horses’ gentle demeanour and sensitivity to creating a safe and comforting space for those in need.

Since their inception, Mini Therapy Horses has expanded their team to include nine meticulously trained miniature therapy horses. Apart from regular visits to the VA hospital, the organisation extends their outreach to children’s hospitals, emergency services departments, schools, and crisis response teams. Notably, the horses played a vital role during the recent Los Angeles wildfires, offering solace to affected individuals, firefighters, and other frontline responders.

A heartwarming incident involving one of the horses playing the piano to awaken a child post-surgery garnered widespread attention online, propelling the organisation’s visibility. Each horse within the care of Mini Therapy Horses is adept at playing the piano and undergoing various training activities to ensure their readiness for diverse scenarios. Nodiff-Netanel emphasised the rigorous preparation undertaken before each visit to optimise the therapeutic impact of these enchanting creatures.

Central to the success of Mini Therapy Horses are the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and efforts towards training, coordinating site visits, and tending to the horses’ needs. Nodiff-Netanel acknowledged the pivotal role of donations in sustaining the organisation, enabling them to continue offering invaluable services to a spectrum of beneficiaries. The collaborative efforts of volunteers and donors align with Nodiff-Netanel’s vision, emphasising the collective commitment required to uphold the mission of Mini Therapy Horses.

The profound impact of miniature therapy horses in hospital settings underscores the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy. Nodiff-Netanel’s journey from a seasoned equestrian to a trailblazer in therapeutic equine interventions exemplifies the potent synergy between passion and compassion. As Mini Therapy Horses continue to uplift spirits and foster healing experiences, their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connection between humans and animals in promoting well-being and resilience.