Miniature Therapy Horse Pegasus Brings Comfort to South Florida Hospitals
Pegasus, a miniature horse, is bringing joy and emotional support to patients at several South Florida hospitals, including Holtz Children's Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center, HCA Mercy Hospital, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. The horse's visits aim to provide a positive distraction for children and adults undergoing challenging treatments.
Pegasus's Rounds at Holtz Children's Hospital
During a recent visit to Holtz Children's Hospital on Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Miami campus, Pegasus, accompanied by his owner Alexandra Ramos, made rounds to visit sick children. One patient, 9-year-old Kumari Harris, who was hospitalized after an asthma attack, was delighted by the visit. His mother, Nigeria Harris, noted the positive impact of Pegasus's presence.
“He’s never seen a horse in person before, so I’m glad to see him smile, honestly,” said Nigeria Harris.
Expanding Animal Therapy: From Dogs to Horses
While therapy dogs have been a long-standing tradition at hospitals, the use of horses like Pegasus is a newer initiative. Gino Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, emphasized the positive impact these visits have on patients, stating that they provide a welcome distraction from the stresses of being in the hospital.
“No one wants to be in a hospital. No one wants to be sick, and anything that could take their mind away from what they’re doing here, I think it’s a really positive thing,” said Gino Santorio.
Pegasus made his first visit to Mount Sinai on Valentine’s Day in 2024.
The Magic of Pegasus: Smiles and Awe
Pegasus often comes dressed in costume, such as Woody from "Toy Story," complete with a cowboy hat and mini boots. These visits bring smiles, awe, and joy to patients. Kim Juanico, Holtz's nurse coordinator for the pediatric palliative care team, noted the significant reduction in pain levels experienced by children who interact with Pegasus.
“The opportunity to pet, the opportunity to cuddle with a horse, is another level ... and gives them that opportunity to take a break if they’re going through pain,” said Kim Juanico.
Strict Safety Protocols for Hospital Visits
Hospitals adhere to strict cleanliness and safety guidelines to protect patients, staff, and visitors. Staff closely monitor interactions to ensure proper hand hygiene and gown changes after contact with the horse. These measures are part of Holtz’s “Feel Good Friday” initiative.
Equine Therapy Beyond the Hospital Setting
Horses are also used outside of hospitals to reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation. Equine Music Therapy Resources, near West Kendall, uses horses and music to help children with anxiety, depression, autism, and other disorders. Dayne Leon, the company’s president and founder, explained that horses possess an intuitive ability to connect with people's emotions, fostering calmness and confidence.
“Kids feel in control of that huge animal, but at the same time, it’s building a bond between the animal and the person that is extremely magical,” said Leon.
The Role of Therapy Animals: Bridging the Gap
Talia Mor, a child life specialist at Holtz, emphasized the unique role therapy animals play in connecting with children. Like therapy dogs, Pegasus helps to establish a bridge, enabling children to open up and engage in ways they might not otherwise.
Alexandra Ramos: A Passion for Therapy Animals
Alexandra Ramos, with over a decade of experience working with therapy dogs, views equine therapy as a new avenue to bring comfort to patients. Her inspiration stems from her work with Amigos Near, a Miami-based nonprofit, and a pivotal moment bringing her dog to Nicklaus Children’s, where she was encouraged to have him interact with patients. She now manages six therapy dogs and is adding another horse, Arion, to her team. All of them are rescues.
"I don’t have children, but I believe there’s a need to make many kids feel better who lack many things at home,” Ramos said.
Maintaining Pegasus's Well-being
Pegasus undergoes training to ensure safe interactions in hospital environments. Ramos also faces the challenges of rising costs and immigration law changes, particularly regarding the status of Pegasus's trainer, who is an integral part of the team. The trainer moved from Nicaragua to work at a ranch and met Ramos there.
Esteban Suarez, Pegasus’s personal masseuse, provides structural integration therapy to address stress-related muscle tension, a crucial aspect of maintaining the horse’s well-being. Pegasus also has regular rest to ensure he does not get overworked.
A New Friendship Forged
During the Holtz visit, Pegasus met Mahi, Holtz’s therapy dog, signaling the start of a new friendship. The experience also left a lasting impression on patients like Eric Ortiz, who expressed his surprise and delight at encountering a therapy horse in the hospital.
