Miniature horses to again bring mental wellness to ArchCare Senior Life

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When it comes to mental health, the smallest of remedies can have a tremendous impact.

The participants at ArchCare Senior Life experienced this firsthand as as their once-therapists – who came in size “miniature” and in the form of horses — brought much needed comfort and emotional support. This therapy will resume come June 27.

In Feb. 2019, the St. George wellness center organized the first ever miniature horses therapy. More than a dozen senior citizens’ hearts were captured upon the arrival of the animals, who go by the names Aidan and Pearl.

The site has long served as a home for participants in the community to experience social events, this occasion being favored among the crowd with the help of the unconventional visitors.

While the COVID-19 pandemic implemented a prolonged pause on some of the activities that regularly took place, the success of the first visit has encouraged a resurgence in the program.

On Thursday June 27, the senior citizens at ArchCare Senior Life will once again be greeted by the miniature horses, offering affection and receiving it in return. The animals will make their rounds from 10:30 a.m. to noon through the assistance of The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, sponsor of the event.

The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund was established in the memory of Carl Vincent Bini, an 18-year veteran New York City firefighter assigned to Rescue 5 who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001. To honor his personal mission of helping others, the organization seeks to build up the Staten Island community through efforts of charity, such as programs and sponsorship.

Participants and staff alike are enthusiastic about the animals’ reappearance, as their introduction to the center brought about an undeniable sense of comfort.

Lauren Abate, who serves as manager at the wellness center, attended the first event and considers it to be “one of the best programs that ArchCare has ever had.”

While small in stature, the miniature horses will hopefully lead to a big difference in the mental wellness of the senior citizens who attend, as they did pre-pandemic.

“With no COVID restrictions and a sponsor to back us, we are finally able to host the event again, and we’re very excited,” said Abate.

Below is a glimpse at the first therapy event, held at ArchCare Senior Life Wellness center in 2019.

You can reach the nonprofit organization that is sponsoring the event at info@binifund.org.