A Little Magic
A Little Magic is in its third year as a Miniature horse therapy group working in association with the non-profit , Love of Little Horses . We are a small but growing group and currently have six mini / handler teams registered with Pet Partners . Our therapy teams primarily focus on helping two groups of people : the residents in rehabs , nursing homes and senior facilities ; and the special needs children in our local schools . We operate in an area of Virginia from Warrenton to Charlottesville and beyond . In addition , we participate in several specialized children ’ s camps , visit college campuses at exam time , and participate in parades and community events .
also have within our group a trick horse by the name of Dakota . She entertains the folks with her retinue of tricks that include playing basketball and painting . Her little show brings lots of laughter and applause from the groups that we visit . From the smiles and excitement we see , we feel that we do bring “ a little magic ” into the day of the residents at these facilities
Another large part of our mission at A Little Magic is helping special needs children in the area schools .
When we enter a rehab or nursing home , and the initial surprise of a “ horse in the house ” wears off a bit , it is ” all about the shoes ”! The minis wear little sneakers made for teddy bears or baby shoes to prevent slipping on tile and wood floors . While petting , brushing and hugging the minis is the activity that the residents enjoy most ; we are fortunate to
In fact , our volunteers have said that they get as much enjoyment from our visits and activities as the people we help . Visit us at : www . littlemagic . org
We have created a program with the guidance of a former Special Ed teacher that involves interaction with the minis that goes far beyond just petting . We bring several of our therapy minis to a local school and our handlers help these students to complete several equine assisted therapy activities . These activities are aimed at encouraging and improving speech , eye / hand coordination , relaxation , confidence and focus . The teachers have commented that the students are much calmer and more focused when working with the horses . Seeing the look on the face of a child when they walk a horse for the first time brings to mind one word : “ empowering ”!
All our handlers and helpers are volunteers . If you love horses it is a fun and rewarding way to help others .
Mini Hooves of Love
Mini Hooves Of Love Miniature Therapy Horses is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Dallas / Fort Worth , Texas area staffed with all volunteers . We have several AMHA minis - some in training , while others we have trained and sent off to start other therapy programs . Our main team consists of three Miniatures - Monarch , who is registered for complex visits through Pet Partners , and Hope and Star , who will be tested for complex rating with Pet Partners the first of July 2016 . Three of our volunteers are registered handlers with Pet Partners - Jim & Linda Woods and Melanie Long ( we also carry a separate insurance policy as well ).
Our tiny teams focus on the DFW area but we have traveled great distances , when needed -such as making a hospice call to Oklahoma for a child . We visit hundreds of children in medical care facilities including , monthly visits to Ronald McDonald House / Dallas , Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children / Dallas and recently adding Cook Children ’ s
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