Visiting therapy ponies have become an increasingly popular feature in schools, workplaces, aged care facilities, and hospitals, bringing unique benefits to participants.
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Visiting therapy ponies have become an increasingly popular feature in schools, workplaces, aged care facilities, and hospitals, bringing unique benefits to participants. *
Our visitation ponies and horses
Our mini’s have completed many hours of extensive training by experienced handlers, so they are safe, calm and very well-mannered around people. They are able to work with adults and children in one-on-one situations and do just as well in large crowds. The therapy mini’s are the centre of attention wherever we go and exude a natural friendliness that makes people want to meet them. Participants; young or old, usually experience a calming and enjoyable interaction as they pet and brush our mini’s, talk to them and spend time with them.
We have a herd of miniature horses, mules and donkeys with a size of about 80cm and are a variety of colours.
We follow the Guidelines set out in the Government document – Animal Visits and Interventions in Public and Private Health Facilities NSW. Currently, the State of Victoria does not have such a document. Rest assured, all our therapy horses wear potty bags to prevent any “accidents” happening while they are visiting. They generally do not wear potty bags during an outside visit but can do so upon request. We find the participants in an outside visit are more mobile so we like the ponies to wear less to allow for more hands-on touching and brushing. We carry cleaning equipment with us and if the horses go potty outside during a visit, their poop is swiftly cleaned away.
All our handlers have had extensive training and are fully screened prior to making visits. Due to our knowledge and experience, you can be assured that our visits are safe, therapeutic and extremely enjoyable for the participants and the staff.
Overall, therapy ponies create meaningful connections and moments of happiness, fostering a sense of well-being in environments that can otherwise feel isolating or stressful. Their visits highlight the therapeutic value of human-animal bonds, making them a cherished addition in many settings.
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School Programs
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs in schools provide students with unique opportunities to develop critical life skills through hands-on interaction with horses. These programs are experiential, focusing on fostering personal growth, emotional intelligence, and practical abilities like teamwork and problem-solving. Students benefit from the horses’ natural sensitivity to human emotions, learning to communicate effectively, build empathy, and develop resilience in a supportive and engaging environment.
Activities within EAL programs are tailored to the specific needs of schools and students. Examples include team-building exercises, non-verbal communication practice, and mindfulness activities like grooming or leading a horse. These experiences help students improve self-awareness, leadership, and social skills. The challenges presented in working with horses encourage adaptability and confidence, preparing students for real-world situations.
The dynamic nature of EAL makes it an effective tool for a wide range of educational goals, including social and emotional learning and support for students with special needs. Programs can be customised to align with a school’s curriculum or offered as workshops to enhance student development. Bringing equine-assisted learning to schools creates memorable experiences, helping students grow emotionally, socially, and academically in ways that traditional classroom settings cannot replicate.
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Residential Care Visits
These small, gentle animals provide emotional, physical, and psychological support through their calming presence and engaging interactions. Therapy ponies are specifically trained to be patient, well-mannered, and comfortable in various environments, including those with medical equipment and mobility aids, ensuring safe and positive visits.
For elderly residents in nursing and aged care homes, therapy ponies offer moments of joy and reminiscence. Many seniors, especially those who grew up in rural or equestrian environments, find comfort and nostalgia in connecting with the animals. The tactile experience of petting and brushing a pony has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and alleviate feelings of loneliness. These interactions also encourage social engagement among residents, as the presence of the ponies often sparks conversation and shared memories.
In hospitals, therapy ponies provide a welcome distraction for patients dealing with illness or injury. Their nonjudgmental and soothing nature helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation. For children, in particular, ponies offer a sense of playfulness and wonder that can ease the emotional toll of a hospital stay. Their visits are carefully planned to ensure hygiene and safety, often tailored to meet the specific needs of different patient groups.
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Additional Pony Programs
Horses have a unique ability to offer social and emotional support to individuals facing various challenges. Programs like Pop In Ponies leverage the calm, intuitive nature of these animals to create transformative experiences for people struggling with social anxiety or difficulty leaving their homes. Walking alongside a gentle and confident horse or pony provides a sense of companionship and safety, encouraging participants to reconnect with their community and environment.
In addition to supporting adults, Pop In Ponies also help children who are disengaged from the education system. Through structured activities and interactions with horses, children develop confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging, which can encourage their return to school. The bond formed with the horses helps foster trust and emotional resilience, empowering young people to overcome barriers to education.
Pop In Ponies also extend their services to respite centres and workplaces recovering from crisis events. Their visits bring comfort, joy, and moments of relief to individuals and teams during challenging times. Horses' non-judgmental presence and ability to connect on an emotional level make them invaluable partners in promoting healing and emotional well-being across a range of settings.