Mini-Therapy Horses Visit Retirement Community Residents

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — Therapy animals come in all shapes and sizes. On Wednesday, residents at a Hudson Valley retirement community spent time with, what could be considered, unconventional support animals: two miniature therapy horses.

Aiden and Pearl, mini-horses trained as companion and therapy animals, spent the morning with memory care and skilled nursing care residents at Kendal on Hudson in Sleepy Hollow.

The pint-sized horses were trotted out at the community's Sunnyside Garden, a terrace overlooking the Hudson River.

Margaret Ann Roth, a resident at Kendal and the chairwoman of the Health and Wellness Committee, arranged for the visit from HorseAbility, which is headquartered in Old Westbury.

She said it was important to the community to have activities that bring people together, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“And as a horse-lover, I was excited to bring these mini-horses to our campus for both the joy and well-being benefits that they bring,” Roth said.

Kendal on Hudson’s residents socialized with their neighbors while having enjoyable and therapeutic interactions with the miniature therapy horses, according to a spokeswoman.

Time spent with therapy animals can help support the physical, emotional and social well-being of older adults, experts said.

Pamela Klapproth, CEO of Kendal on Hudson, said the retirement community encourages its residents to lead purposeful and engaged lives.

“Within and outside our community, our residents find rewarding and fulfilling experiences," she said. "We care deeply for our residents — from their health and well-being to their social and emotional wellness.”

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