For the last couple of weeks, Senior Concerns’ Adult Day participants have had been treated to two special guests, Romeo and Ziggy.
They are wonderful visitors who are kind, friendly and affectionate, and they seem to really enjoy their time at the center.
What may be a bit out of the ordinary is that the guests are miniature horses.
Given a moment or two of social interaction with these visitors, the Senior Concerns participants brighten and become more outgoing. Romeo and Ziggy have that special effect on those around them.
One participant, as she petted Ziggy, broke out in an ear-to-ear smile as she reminisced about her time around horses as a child. Another gentleman talked about riding a mule as a kid in Nebraska, and a third spoke about his experience in World War II driving a team of horses to bring supplies to the front.
The idea of miniature horse therapy is a good one.
According to Sanaa Pharayra, owner of Sanaa Pharayra Stables in Agoura Hills and the horses’ trainer, “Animals are very healing because they demonstrate a natural, intuitive existence.”
In fact, pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy can have many benefits for all of us, but there are some special benefits for older adults including physical, emotional and cognitive improvements.
Animals can help reduce loneliness and depression and increase feelings of purpose and belonging. Petting and talking to a pet can help seniors feel engaged and needed. Their presence can also reduce the effects of dementia, such as anxiety, irritability and agitation.
And studies have shown that seniors who experience pet therapy have higher confidence and self-esteem, improved social skills, and an increase in empathy, caring and gentleness.
Unfortunately, horses are not as accessible to most of us because of their size and care needs. Miniature horses can come to environments large horses can’t.
The vision for miniature horse therapy in our community comes from actress and filmmaker Daryl Hannah, an avid horse person who adopted Romeo two years ago when he needed a new home after his owner passed away.
Hannah instantly fell in love with Romeo and found her time with him magical. She wanted to share that same magic with others. Building him a custom van, Romeo Roadshow was born. (Read more about Romeo Roadshow online at and see photos on Instagram at romeoroadshow.)
Hannah brought Romeo to the beach, to the surprise and delight of Malibu beachgoers. She took him to The Painted Turtle, sister camp to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang. It’s a camp that gives kids with serious medical conditions the opportunity to just be kids. It turns out miniature horses are the perfect size to nuzzle children in wheelchairs.
And Romeo joined the kids at the LOLLIPOP Theater Network Superhero Reveal in West Hollywood. Prior to the event, eight pediatric patients worked with a designer to create a costume that represented their inner superhero. On the day of the reveal, the kids’ identities and costumes were revealed, and Romeo was there to add to the fun. It was an amazing and special day for everyone who attended.
About six months ago Hannah adopted Ziggy, having realized that two miniature horses could spread double the magic and joy.
Hannah has it in her heart to improve the quality of life for members of vulnerable populations by spreading Ziggy and Romeo’s special magic to nonprofits in the community.
I can attest to the joy Romeo and Ziggy bring to those who meet them. I think my coworkers and I got as much pleasure and enjoyment from their visit as our Adult Day participants did.
SPREADING JOY: Miniature horse Romeo brings a smile to a Senior Concerns participant during a recent visit to the Hodencamp Road facility that is dedicated to providing programs and services which support the well-being of seniors and family caregivers. Both photos are courtesy of Scott Jackson.
