A charity named Mini Therapy Horses is providing comfort to psychiatric patients, including military veterans, in Los Angeles. The programme, which involves nine miniature therapy horses, was inspired by a horse called Black Pearl.
The horses visit patients in the lockdown psychiatric unit of a veterans' hospital in Los Angeles. Many of these veterans are experiencing PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and/or drug addiction, with some also being homeless. Patients are able to pet and hug the horses, which is said to help them feel less lonely and isolated.
Mini Therapy Horses also visits other hospitals, where children and adults who are away from home for extended periods find comfort in spending time with the miniature horses. For visually impaired children, the horses' coats can be brushed, providing a tactile experience.
Black Pearl, described as a show-off, performs tricks for patients, including playing a keyboard, walking on her hind legs, and giving high fives. She can also walk beside patients in wheelchairs while they hold the reins.