Mini horses just what doctor ordered

Two miniature horses from the nonprofit Mane in Heaven named Charmer (white one) and Mystery (brown one) visited with the elderly at Older Adult Services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital on June 1. The older adults include individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as those struggling with the effects of stroke and Parkinson’s disease, among other ailments.

The miniature horses are registered through Pet Partners, nationally recognized as the pioneer of animal-assisted therapy. The “minis” are specially trained and have passed extensive testing to provide comfort and healing to those in need, much like traditional therapy dogs. When they came to visit, the horses were wearing their own gym shoes, provided by their sneaker sponsor, Teddy Mountain. The footwear helps steady the horses and prevent slipping on inside floors and hallways. The miniature horses, acting on commands, brought huge smiles, laughter and love to the participants. They received lots of hugs and kisses as they met their admirers.

Older Adult Services of Lutheran General Hospital teamed up with Mane in Heaven, a Lake in the Hills organization that started in 2012. The miniature horses make visits to nursing homes and hospitals. Mane in Heaven has seven horses. It is an all-volunteer recognized 501c3 nonprofit with 45 volunteers.

Older Adult Services of Lutheran General Hospital has been supporting the elderly and their families in the community since its inception in 1980 by offering a wide range of unique programs. A special program, called Expressions, is for early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and was one stop on the horses’ visit.