Pony Express

HEAVENLY HOOFS' PONY EXPRESS

One of our most unique programs, the Pony Express provides equine assisted therapy by making “house calls” to children with serious illnesses or disabilities who cannot come to us.

The Pony Express makes regular visits to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Bishop Grady Villages and Special Education classes in local public schools. If you would like to request a visit from the Pony Express, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Studies show that touching and interacting with animals, ponies in this case, can provide physical emotional, mental and cognitive benefits. Besides delivering smiles, hope and cheer, the Pony Express is a tool to help participants in the following ways:

· Encourage expressions of positive emotions

· Teach cooperation

· Develop fine and gross motor skills through petting and grooming

· Increase tactile tolerance and awareness

· Increase expressive language skills

· Encourage reach, capture and manipulation of objects

· Build self esteem

· Encourage gestures and/or sounds

· Increase vocabulary

· Increase motivational level