NBC 4: Mini Therapy Horses Bring Joy to LA Hospitals and First Responders

NBC 4 recently interviewed Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, a Cedars-Sinai volunteer from Calabasas, California, whose miniature therapy horses bring joy and comfort to patients at the medical center.

Nodiff-Netanel told NBC 4 reporter Lynette Romero during a “Bright Spot” segment on “Today in LA” that the mini horses have visited hospitals, veteran centers and police stations nearly every day for 18 years.

The horses are part of an equine-assisted therapy program led by Nodiff-Netanel. This type of therapy is shown to provide various health benefits, including helping reduce anxiety.

“It’s just magical what happens when a little horse nuzzles your face,” Nodiff-Netanel said as a blue-eyed, white horse named Blue Moon stood by her side. “It’s what happens everywhere we go.”

Nodiff-Netanel told Romero the horses are trained to perform tricks that help entertain patients and lift their spirits. NBC 4 showed footage of Blue Moon playing a keyboard for a young patient at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

The horses have a special wardrobe for their visits—a Cedars-Sinai Volunteer Services vest and badge, complete with their name and photo.

“As soon as they get their vests on and their little fancy halters, they know that they’re going to be working,” Nodiff-Netanel told Romero, adding that the horses also wear special nonslip shoes that protect their feet and keep them safe during visits.

“She doesn’t make noise,” she said. “She doesn’t slip when she does her tricks.”

Romero noted that most people have never seen a mini horse in person, making these visits especially memorable for patients and staff.

Watch the complete segment from NBC 4.