The superpowers of My Little Ponies have come to life locally with miniature horses serving the community as therapy animals. Local woman Angela Hanberg has always had an interest in miniature horses and began her research of therapy horses years ago. Two years ago she decided to dive in head first and found Bella and began working on her theory that the pony could be well trained in order to serve in therapy settings throughout the community. “We began by making regular visits to the Uintah Care Center,” shares Hanberg. “Bella LOVES the dementia wing and they love her. We started seeing incredible things during our visits: residents who never spoke would talk or sing to her, residents with limited mobility would reach out of their chair in order to pet and love on her.” Hanberg eventually joined forces with a local therapist and now Bella helps provide various modalities to special needs children, helping the kids with motor skills, self control, self confidence and communication. A chance to see Bella and other local mini horses and ponies is taking place Saturday morning, May 13th, at the IFA in Vernal. All are welcome to this fun event. For more information, call
385-722-4165
.
