Those in need receive joy and humor from therapy ponies in special program.

Therapeutic cuddles from pint-sized ponies are being provided to those in need in hospitals, schools, and care homes as part of a therapy team.

Sarah Woodland, 42, received two mini Shetland ponies in the summer of 2022 from a friend, as reported by SWNS, the British news service. These ponies, Poppy, 16, and Tinks, 17, stand just 30 inches tall and enjoy being fussed over, according to the outlet.

The pair received private one-on-one enrichment sessions from Woodland before visiting a local care home with the animals to promote mental health.

Woodland decided to make both of them therapy ponies after the session went so well.

She now takes animals into special schools, hospitals, and care homes to provide comfort and interaction for those who need it.

Woodland runs Dinky Ponies from Oxfordshire.

Communication for people who may have difficulty talking is through touch and interaction with ponies, as seen and experienced, according to her.

"It's nearly as if it's a type of love that motivates individuals to become active."

She had previously worked in human resources in London and spent several years raising her two children, aged 15 and 10, with her husband, Nick, a 50-year-old retired military veteran, before embarking on this new venture.

When she reached out to the first care home with her idea, the response was "overwhelming."

Woodland rediscovered her passion for horses as her children grew older, according to SWNS.

Before discovering therapeutic pony visits, she sought enrichment sessions as a freelancer.

During winter, her demand for one-to-one riding lessons decreased, so she opted for a new strategy.

Woodland stated, "Animals are often considered as best friends by people, and they possess a sense of knowing who requires comfort, which is one of the reasons I established this setup."

In the summer of 2022, when she first contacted the first care home with her idea, the response was "overwhelming," she stated.

She told SWNS that it went completely insane from the very beginning.

People get to meet and stroke the horses.

"The impact of animals on people is truly remarkable, and it's wonderful to witness. I believe it was due to the prolonged effects of lockdowns, which limited visitors in care homes, making the presence of animals even more valuable."

Woodland's primary focus is now on therapy sessions, although she occasionally hosts parties with Dinky Ponies.

During a visit, people get to meet and stroke the horses.

Woodland's passion for visiting ponies is driven by the deep, unspoken bond between them and the people they interact with.

"Animals possess a unique quality, which includes empathy and communication," she stated to SWNS. "I strongly believe they have a sixth sense and the ability to sense when someone requires additional care."

"Animals have a special way about them."

One resident of a care home was initially skeptical of the ponies and had a table positioned protectively in front of him in bed during a recent visit.

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Although he was hesitant, he eventually agreed to meet Poppy, and over time, his defenses began to crumble.

Seeing it from start to finish was truly delightful, she said, because of the impact animals have on people.

Currently, seven ponies occupy the expanded Woodland, each with its unique role.

In addition to Poppy and Tinks, she also has Abby, Georgie, Gracie, Charm, and Evie.

She admitted, though, that Poppy is "the superstar."

Woodland remarked, "She effortlessly calms individuals and dozes off in their laps!"

"I want to keep doing it for as long as I can as the ponies have such a positive impact on people."

Depending on the needs at each venue, she will select which pony to bring.

Woodland usually brings one pony to a new facility to evaluate the setup.

To prevent the ponies from being overburdened or over-petted, they typically work one day a week.

The children are now able to travel up and down in elevators, allowing them to visit children's wards at hospitals, according to SWNS.

Woodland stated that he wants to continue doing it for as long as possible because the ponies have a positive impact on people, as reported by the outlet.