Ponies bring joy: Inside Sarah Woodland's unique therapy initiative

Forty-two-year-old Sarah Woodland received two miniature Shetland ponies in the summer of 2022 as a gift from a friend. Poppy, 16, and Tinks, 17, are true miniatures—they stand only 30 inches tall. Both mares love to be petted and cared for, which makes them excellent companions in therapy.

Initially, Sarah organized private sessions for the ponies to enrich their experiences through direct contact with people. However, when she visited a local nursing home, the residents' reactions exceeded her expectations.

The ponies garnered immense interest, and their presence brought smiles and visibly improved the mood of many people. Seeing these animals' positive impact on people, Sarah decided to take the next step and officially make Poppy and Tinks therapy ponies.

Currently, Sarah, along with her ponies, regularly visits special schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. This activity aims to bring relief and joy to those who may feel lonely, stressed, or anxious. These animals, although small, have immense therapeutic potential. Contact with them reduces tension, stimulates interpersonal bonds, improves mood, and brings solace.

Ponies like Poppy and Tinks are becoming increasingly popular in supportive therapy because their small size and gentle disposition make them ideal companions for working with the elderly, children, or people with disabilities. For many patients or nursing home residents, contact with an animal is often essential to daily life, bringing joy and a sense of closeness.

Sarah's initiative also shows that the therapeutic effect of animals is not limited to dogs or cats. Miniature ponies, due to their unique nature and friendly character, have the potential to introduce a new dimension of support in the world of therapy, which is increasingly appreciated.