Pony Prescriptions? Yes Please!

you're listening to an article from horse canada.com. pony prescriptions? yes please! by: kim izzo |. a long-term care centre in cody, wyoming has a very special way of keeping its residents happy – ponies! the adorable duo named norman and star are lead into patient’s rooms so they can provide comfort and joy. you could call it a pony prescription! according to cowboy state daily, the ponies visit cody regional health monthly and wear festive leis. there is also a cat and dog that join in the fun. the ponies also visit other senior facilities throughout the month. “everybody can understand an animal,” says cody regional health social worker kyle watson. “they don’t need and ask for anything from our residents other than to get some attention.”. advertisement scroll to continue with content norman and star, whose diminutive size makes them ideally suited to in-patient visits, belong to wyo hoofbeats, a local ranch that runs equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning programs. “we take the ponies to elderly care facilities once a week,” co-founder and executive director of wyo hoofbeats heather bales told the media outlet. “we also spend three days a week in the arena doing mental health sessions with clients and horses.”. the pony handlers are specially trained to ensure the visits go smoothly so that the residents can get as close as possible to pet norman and star and feed them treats. “we have to do this as a pair of a mental health professional and an equine specialist,” explains bales. “one person’s job is mental health safety, while the other’s job is ensuing physical safety with the animal.”. the effort has paid off. “the residents love them,” activities coordinator joan benson says. “they perk up when they see them, and it usually makes their day.”.