Miniature therapy horses bring comfort, joy to Staten Island seniors

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Cheers and happy tears abounded recently at ArchCare Senior Life in Old Town upon the return of two memorable visitors: Miniature therapy horses who go by the names Aidan and Pearl.

The pair were warmly welcomed by participants and staff alike.

The June 27 event marked the second time the animals have visited ArchCare; the first time was in 2019.

Aidan, a white horse, and Pearl, a brown horse, made their rounds from 10:30 a.m. to noon alongside their chaperones, Danielle Brando and Reece Gallagher from HorseAbility. Infatuation at first sight was experienced by over a dozen participants, and many were eager to embrace the animals.

Lauren Abate — who serves as a manager at ArchCare Senior Life, which is located on the first floor of Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center — coordinated the event, and expressed her gratitude for its resurgence.

“At Christmas time, I was asked if there was anything on my wish list to bring to the center,” said Abate. “The miniature horse event was one of our best programs, and I wished to see the same smiles that I saw at the first event.”

Through the efforts of the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, a sponsor of the event, the wish was granted, and gratitude was extended by those who attended.

The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund has long served Staten Island well in its efforts to strengthen the community through programs and sponsorship, the miniature horse therapy event securing a spot as a fan favorite among those who attend.

One participant, Eugenia, experienced a surge of emotions in the presence of the horses, as they reminded her of childhood in Puerto Rico.

“My brother had a horse just like Aidan,” said Eugenia through an ArchCare employee. “I’m kissing him because he is beautiful.”

While small in stature, the miniature horses brought an undeniable amount of comfort and emotional support to those who attended. Many of the participants collectively reminisced about the Coney Island pony rides they experienced years ago.

Another participant, Marlene, rode horses in her home country of Ecuador for many years. She showed off her skills by braiding Pearl’s hair — all with a smile on her face.

Many participants voiced that they hope for more events as special as this to be brought back to the center.

“I saw people smile today that I never see smile,” Abate heard one participant say to another.

The unconventional therapists were yet again successful in their efforts to bring comfort to those who may not have been seeking it — but still achieved it.

“I know in my heart that they will all remember this forever,” Abate said proudly.

ArchCare Senior Living accommodates to those who are 55 and older through its home and community-based and residential care programs, including its Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Its wellness center serves as a spot for social events to take place, boosting its mission of supplying quality care.

More information on ArchCare can be found at ArchCare.org.