A small group of American Miniature Horses are bringing smiles to disabled children and the elderly in the North East of England.
After a quick roll around in the field every morning, Mr.P, Wish and Monet set off to work visiting nursing homes and disabled children.
Lean on me: Monet makes a new friend in a care home
Their owner Katy Smith believes that the ponies, which are roughly the same size as a golden retriever, are a great form of therapy.
Chatterbox: Mr P has a conversation with Max
“The horses evoke emotions and help people that are normally very withdrawn and find it difficult to communicate with people,” Katy told H&H.
Kiss me quick: Annie is regularly visited by the ponies
“I have had patients that won’t talk to people either having a silent conversation or talking away to these little horses.”
No one misses out on visits from the ponies as they do bedroom visits and even take the lift see patients.
House trained: Monet helps out in the kitchen
In his spare time Mr.P is also a successful show pony and has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (9-13 October)
The ponies have also been nominated for the Animal Hero Awards.
If you enjoyed these pictures, you may also enjoy browsing through these other picture collections from tiny tots in the saddle to top event horses on holiday:
Tiny tots in the saddle [PICS]
Pony Club camp, fancy dress competitions and mounted games, these early riding days are where the best memories are formed. From five-year-old Eva Tierney winning her first trophy and seven-year-old Mia Byrne tackling a cross-country course, to Billy Grigson, 10, and his incredible jumping pose — we are sure these gutsy young riders will be stars of the future!
Top event horses on holiday: in pictures
We all love seeing pictures of horses just being horses — particularly when we’re more accustomed to watching them at the top events in the world being toned and honed athletes.
Pony Club camp 2014: in pictures
Does life get much more fun than when you’re at Pony Club camp? It’s certainly hard to beat. Take a look at Pony Clubbers up and down the country enjoying their camps this summer — whether it’s splashing through the water, clinging on up a step, mastering the musical ride or enjoying the long-awaited prize-giving.
Meet gorgeous foals of 2014: in pictures
There’s no quicker way to cheer yourself up than the sight of a wobbly foal — the limbier and fluffier the better. And when we asked you to send us pictures of your recent foals, they came thick and fast. Take a look at this exciting lot… You won’t be disappointed on the cute factor.
