Jim and Linda Woods began this journey with their first visit to an infant in hospice care. Since that initial visit they have continued to serve hospices along with hospitals, children’s hospitals, schools, camps and shelters. Melanie Long joined them in the fall of 2015 along with her husband Roye, who not only lends support, but takes part in the visits a volunteer. Their knowledge, skills and personality have greatly added to the team dynamic of this unique organization. Since its inception it has been the mission of Mini Hooves of Love to give people the opportunity to interact with a miniature horse (mini) to help enhance the quality of their lives.
The motto of Mini Hooves of Love is "Sometimes we need someone to simply be there, not to fix anything or do anything in particular, but just to let us feel we are supported and cared about".
The principal leads of Mini Hooves of Love currently consist of three miniature horses, Monarch, Hope and Star. Each of these very small equines along with their three handlers, Jim, Linda and Melanie are registered with Pet Partners. Each handler is also registered with each horse. Pet Partners provides insurance but in addition, MHOL also carries a separate personal insurance policy as well.
Not every horse has the special temperament needed to do therapy work and for this reason, careful selection is a must. It doesn't mean the other horses are bad, just that this type of work is not their calling. A lot of work and training goes into preparing a horse for this type of service. They are trained to ignore their natural instincts with desensitization and are expected to adapt to any given situation. They learn to walk on different types of surfaces and not to step on toes! They must be able to maneuver around wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, tables and chairs as well as, numerous medical equipment including IV poles/lines and oxygen tubing or tanks just to name a few. When visiting a group of people, especially children, they might find themselves suddenly surrounded and having to cope with multiple people touching them all over, all at the same time. Trust is a must between handler and horse.
It has been proven that touch is a very important aspect in the nourishment of the human mind. Studies show that patients benefit from animal contact by reducing their blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels. It also encourages socialization between patients, family members and staff. Everyone benefits. You know you’re doing it right when the smiles pop up on the faces of almost everyone that comes in contact with Mini Hooves of Love. For Jim, Linda and Melanie they feel the gratitude when a mother says, “Thank you. My child has been in therapy all day and is worn out. This is the first time he has smiled all day.” The miraculous healing power of horses.
It is quite remarkable when the children get to take a little stroll with Monarch or Star, as it is often the first time a child has seen or touched a real horse. Or when Monarch sticks his muzzle into a baby stroller checking out the babies, one of his favorite behaviors. Hope, on the other hand is totally into getting all the hugs and kisses she can get. Her small stature has most people saying, “I’ve never seen a horse that small.” As kids are accustomed to paying attention to fashion, they are often in awe when they see Star in her “Converse” shoes and dazzles them with her brilliant blue eyes.