Central Illinois Group Offers Therapy With Miniature Horses

Miniature horses can weigh from 100 to 200 pounds, making them smaller than ponies. The animals were first bred in Europe, as pets and as work animals in coal mines. But recently, they’ve found a new occupation --- as therapy animals.

In central Illinois, Heartland Mini-Hoofs (the misspelling of “hooves” is deliberate) takes miniature horses to nursing homes and other facilities to visit with residents there.

Recently, members of the group --- and three of their miniature horses ---- visited the WILL Newsroom, on their way to see residents at a nearby retirement home.

With her miniature horse Bailey at her side, Heartland Mini-Hoofs founder and CEO Andra Ebert of Taylorville described how effective such animals can be with people.

Ebert remembers one woman at a nursing home in Springfield, where Heartland Mini-Hoofs paid visits over a number of months.

“We would go see her, she would take Bailey by the face and she would talk to her,” said Ebert. “It was only this short she would talk to. And she wasn’t talking to staff and family. The only time she verbalized was when I brought this horse in.”

Ebert says that the small size of miniature horses matters.  American miniature horses are no more than 34 inches high when measured at the end of their withers. That puts them at eye level for most people sitting down — such as those in wheelchairs.

“They come in and they engage with the person right away,” said Ebert. “The person can see them eye to eye. Horses have very large eyes, and I think that’s very engaging for people.”

Ebert remembers one woman at a nursing home in Springfield, where Heartland Mini-Hoofs paid visits over a number of months.

“We would go see her, she would take Bailey by the face and she would talk to her,” said Ebert. “It was only this short she would talk to. And she wasn’t talking to staff and family. The only time she verbalized was when I brought this horse in.”

Ebert says miniature horses used as therapy animals have been trained to be comfortable around people.

“They are very friendly, because that’s what they’re trained to do,” said Ebert. “Our job is to teach them to engage with people, to walk right up to people.”

Ebert serves on the board of the recently formed American Miniature Therapy Horse Association, where she’s been helping to formulate guidelines for miniature horses used as therapy animals, as well as their trainers.

Andra Ebert is promoting miniature horses and their use as therapy animals in another way. With her daughter, Morgan Ebert, she’s written and published a children’s picture book, “Winnie the Mini Horse.” The first in a projected series, the book tells the story of the miniature horses owned and trained by Andra and others.

Andra will be signing copies of “Winnie the Mini Horse” at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Peoria, Saturday, September 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Winnie is expected to make an appearance as well, signing books with her hoof-print.