Meet the little ponies who visit hospitals, schools and nursing homes and provide therapeutic hugs to those who need them. Owner Sarah Woodland, 42, was given two mini Shetland ponies in the summer of 2022 by a friend. Poppy, 16, and Tinks, 17, are only 30 inches tall and love to be petted and wiggled. Sarah began hosting private one-on-one enrichment sessions with the couple before deciding to visit a local care home with them to encourage residents to connect with the animals. The session went so well that she decided to make them both therapy ponies – to bring comfort and interaction to people who need it – and now she takes them to special schools, hospitals and retirement homes.
