MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Founded in 2008 by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, Mini Therapy Horses works closely with hospitals, facilities and other organizations across Los Angeles to provide Equine Assisted Services to those who need it most. Whether comforting children bedside after surgery as they come out of anesthesia or visiting with a veteran who just wants to sit quietly and share space with one of our horses, the MTH team is there to bring a sense of calm, comfort and happiness.

Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.


Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
When Victoria Nodiff-Netanel founded Mini Therapy Horses in 2008, with her very first miniature horse Black Pearl, she never imagined it would grow into what it is today – a nationally recognized leader in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Since then, we have expanded our outreach programs year over year, and the last twelve months were no exception. In 2023, Mini Therapy Horses conducted 130 visits, an average of 2.5 visits per week. In the first five months of 2024 (through May 31), we have already performed 64 visits, an average of 2.9 visits per week.
     
     Our primary goal has been to extend our reach within the communities we already serve, including first responder groups, crisis response, medical facilities, children and schools. We credit some of the expansion in our outreach to new and ongoing partnerships with the Ventura County Fire Department, the UCLA Stuart House Rape Treatment Center, and UCLA Tiverton House (a health and wellness hotel for UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital patients). Following a COVID-related pause of in-person visits, we have also returned to the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). It is an honor to once again have the opportunity on a quarterly basis to support children as they process through the court system due to abuse and/or neglect. We have also increased new and returning visits to K-12 schools and universities. In 2023, our team visited 8 schools. And already in the first half of 2024, we have visited 6 schools and completed a number of visits to UCLA schools and the Law Library, with many more upcoming on our calendar. We are proud of expanding our work in these communities, and of being able to share the magic of human-equine connection with more people than ever.
     
     Because many of our new contacts arise through word-of-mouth, these new partnerships are a testament to our history and reputation of providing unique, joyful, and oftentimes life-changing experiences for the individuals with whom our magical miniature horses interact. The same can also be said for our enduring and recurring partnerships. Maintaining strong relationships with the organizations and programs we have long served is an equally important goal we hold dear. As a result, we have continued to grow in our work with Shriners Children’s Southern California, UCLA People-Animal Connection/UCLA Healthcare, the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Youth Foundation, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Crisis Response Team, and community events such as, the Ronald McDonald House Walk for Kids, and Los Angeles Fleet Week. In a large city where these organizations have many options for outside support, we feel strongly that continuing and increasing visits to their facilities over many years is a significant accomplishment.
     
     Finally, going forward, our third key goal is to strengthen our fundraising capacity and donor relationships in order to continue to both maintain and expand our EAT/A program as much as our capacity allows. In 2023, Mini Therapy Horses subsidized 83% of our visits, and we are proud to be able to serve so many in-need and at-risk members of our community at no cost. At the same time, we are grateful to every organization we visit that is able to support us by donating to our nonprofit. Currently, our team is working hard to implement a detailed development and communications plan for 2024 designed to expand our donor base, increase donor retention, and boost overall fundraising. With a sustainable level of income, and responsible management of expenses, Mini Therapy Horses can continue to change more lives for many years to come.
     
     Fundamentally however, while all of these goals will help us help more people, our mission will always be to prioritize the happiness, health, and overall well-being of our magnificent horses. As our programs expand, our promises to provide them with the best possible comfort and care in perpetuity will always be upheld.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) the interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

1) Since its inception in 2008, Mini Therapy Horses’ recognition as a national leader in Equine Assisted Services (EAS) has been upheld by a 100% safety rating. Rigorous sets of training standards for both horses and volunteers ensure that the interactions between our equines and the people they meet during outreach activities are positive, safe, and mutually beneficial.
     
     Prior to beginning work as a service animal, each of our horses is carefully, gently, and properly trained to respect personal space, accept grooming and attention, perform a variety of tricks, relieve themselves on command, ride in elevators, and maneuver around hospital equipment. All commands and other aspects of their training are performed at an appropriate pace that is personalized to each horse. Some of our horses are ready for equine assisted services much sooner than others, and that’s okay! Our horses’ welfare is always our top priority. Throughout each step, our training process is designed to create confident, happy, healthy equines capable of performing equine assisted services.
     
     Not only do our horses undergo meticulous training prior to beginning their equine assisted services, so do our volunteers. Our two categories of volunteers – handlers and helpers – each have their own training standards. Handlers typically possess horse-related experience prior to volunteering for Mini Therapy Horses. However, they are not awarded a position as a handler until completing our training program which includes basic horse care, grooming, leading, cueing behaviors/tricks, and monitoring each horse’s expressions to identify stress. On visits, handlers lead their assigned horse, cue behaviors, and interact with the people they meet. Helpers, while not directly in charge of a horse, also play many important roles in our organization. While oftentimes their roles are to help organize the barn or prepare equipment for visits, helpers also receive education about the history of miniature horses and fun facts about each of our service minis, as well as training pertaining to safety measures for visits.
     
     After a horse, handler, or helper has completed their training, they are cleared to start performing outreach. Because our organization has grown tremendously, our calendar is filled with multiple visits each week. However, we always guarantee that none of our horses are overworked. Typically, each mini’s schedule involves one visit per week. On occasions where more than one visit in a week is required for a particular mini, these assignments are never on back-to-back days. Allowing proper time to rest, play, and simply be a horse ensures that each mini remains happy to continue her important work in equine assisted services.
     
     On the day of a visit, each mini selected is meticulously groomed and inspected by our founder, barn manager, and volunteers for any physical or behavioral abnormalities that may prevent a positive experience. Once deemed ready for work, the minis are loaded into one of our fully customized vans, which provides the safest possible transportation, and taken to the designated outreach location.
     
     Upon arrival, our mares are unloaded, dressed in their blankets and boots (which ensure they do not slip on indoor flooring), and taken by a handler to relieve themselves. Once the visit has officially started, handlers carefully lead the minis to each person who wants to meet them, show off their exciting tricks, and answer questions. Helpers also greet people and keep a watchful eye over all interactions, ensuring when necessary that a proper distance and safe space is given to each horse. Most importantly, both handlers and helpers always monitor the behaviors of the minis for any signs of distress or needing a break. At the first sign of any distress, the mini would be immediately taken outside for a break or relieved of duties altogether.
     
     Additionally, throughout each visit, our volunteers observe the body language and vocalized needs of each person we meet. While most individuals are thrilled and excited to spend time with our horses, others are much more reserved. Our volunteers are always happy to patiently assist anyone experiencing nervousness. However, they will never force interactions, which would only lead to stress for both the people and horses involved.
     
     Our founder established Mini Therapy Horses to share the magic, love, and joy of miniature horses with the most vulnerable members of our community. What makes meeting those goals possible is ensuring that our horses and the people we meet are mutually joyful and safe. Our organization always prioritizes the welfare, health, and happiness of every being, both equine and human, whether they are giving or receiving our outreach.
     
     2) Mini Therapy Horses is renowned for our impactful work in providing service minis for equine assisted services. However, we are equally proud of what we do behind-the-scenes to care for our hard-working horses every single day. All nine of our miniature service horses reside at MTH Ranch, our founder’s home. Conscientious planning and design of the facilities at MTH Ranch, which include a barn, turnout, round pen, and grooming/wash rack area, optimizes horse health and provides comfort, socialization and adequate free space.
     
     Our barn contains a feed/tack room and individual stalls for each horse that are equipped with automatic waterers, salt blocks, and comfortable bedding over rubber mats. Fans, overhead heaters, and a misting system ensure our horses are comfortable inside the barn no matter the weather. On a typical day, however, our horses are only inside the barn to rest overnight and to eat their meals during the day, which are customized for each horse. While soaked hay pellets and forage are the basis of everyone’s diet, supplements are added individually for each mare’s unique needs.
     
     The turnout provides ample space for all nine horses to socialize, play, and nap in the sun for at least 10-12 hours per day. Rubber mats and abundant rice hulls provide a soft, safe surface for our minis to spend their free time with each other as they please. Access to the turnout is only prohibited by unsafe weather. Multiple automatic waterers in the turnout also ensure that our minis are never without access to clean drinking water.
     
     To maintain their overall fitness, our minis are exercised 4-5 days each week. Walks throughout the neighborhood and directed training in the properly-groomed round pen provide our horses with adequate movement to supplement their turnout time. Horses are also groomed daily, which is not only an enjoyable experience for the horses, but an opportunity for each horse to be checked for any health-related irregularities.
     
     On a daily basis, our horses are primarily cared for by our full-time Barn Manager, who has been with us for many years and understands in great detail each mini’s needs and personality. Our Barn Manager’s duties include: feeding, checking and cleaning automatic waterers, mucking the stalls, turnout, and round pen, exercising the horses, grooming, bathing, clipping, blanketing, administering medications, and monitoring health and behaviors for any signs of illness or distress. Our founder and volunteers are also heavily involved in the daily care of our equine team, and a camera-monitored security system makes certain that eyes are always on our horses in case they need additional care or veterinary attention.
     
     Oftentimes, many people believe that just because they are smaller, miniature horses are easier to maintain than larger equines. This could not be farther from the truth! All of our minis require the same care as regular-sized horses including monthly hoof trims, vaccinations and fecal exams in the spring and fall, and twice-yearly dentals. Additionally, Mini Therapy Horses never hesitates to contact our veterinarians when our horses need to see a specialist or receive emergency care. Our relationships with our farrier and team of veterinarians have spanned many years, and we put our full trust into their abilities to keep our horses as healthy as possible.
     
     The daily care of our horses serves as the foundation of the work we do. Without happy, healthy horses, we would not have a team of incredible equines that change lives for the better each and every day. Mini Therapy Horses is grateful for the opportunity to be considered for Equus Guardian designation, which recognizes the meticulous care and management we provide for our horses.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     At Mini Therapy Horses, community outreach is at the core of our work. Promoting and advancing the equine-human connection is our essence, and with each visit we witness first-hand the power of this healing connection. Because our highly trained horses are so small, we can take them to many different places, including hospitals and other indoor settings. This allows us to reach thousands of people each year, many of whom have never experienced the beauty and wonder of a horse up-close. Additionally, because of their small size, our horses are much less intimidating than a regular-sized horse. This immediately puts people at ease and creates a more welcoming environment, especially for children and those who have not been around horses. The pure delight we see in people at these visits is immeasurable. Our horses are beautifully groomed and love to pose for photos with people. They also do a number of “tricks” that not only entertain, but show the public their high level of intelligence. These tricks also serve as aides to empower our visitors and deepen the connection they form with our horses. And, of course, there are always plenty of mini horse hugs to go around! Seeing a child’s face light up when they wrap their arms around one of our mares in a hug is pure magic.
     
     Mini Therapy Horses conducts regular visits at Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Ronald McDonald House in both Pasadena and Los Angeles, the Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Hospital and L.A. Family Housing, amongst others.
     
     We have created a set of training and safety standards that far exceed those of traditional animal assisted service organizations. All of our horses are trained with safety in mind. They are able to go up/down stairs, ride in elevators, are desensitized to all surroundings they might encounter on any given visit, and are potty trained. Under the steady lead of their handlers, our horses are able to safely navigate their environment, whether it’s maneuvering around delicate medical equipment at a patient's bedside or standing carefully next to a wheelchair. In addition to basic commands, our horses are also trained to do tricks. They smile, give high fives, play the keyboard and, the biggest crowd pleaser of them all, perform “Hi Ho Silver,” where they stand up on their hind legs. When we teach the patients how to do these commands using their voice or a hand motion, the tricks serve as a tool that connects them to the horse. Engaging in this activity helps the patient instantly feel more confident, accomplished and bonded.
     
     Every year, our team of highly trained miniature service horses and volunteers provides equine assisted services to thousands of children and adults who are in need of hope and healing. Some days we visit with individuals undergoing medical procedures, while other days we visit with veterans who suffer from PTSD. There are times when we’re with people overcoming substance abuse, and then sometimes we provide support for those suffering from emotional trauma following a mass casualty event. No matter the day, no matter the need, Mini Therapy Horses is ready and willing to be there for those who need us most.
     
     Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
     Populations served:
     
     1) Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Hospital: MTH assists the Certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist during therapy with patients in the lockdown psychiatric unit. The equine interaction promotes more social interaction which aids in alleviating depression, increasing focus, and navigating group settings. These interactions focus on physical contact with the horse, which is very therapeutic for patients who are isolated and depressed, bringing them joy and a sense of relief. Often, these patients open up and reflect on childhood memories about their own experiences of being close to an animal. The horse is the vehicle of the physical interaction and discussion. The doctors and advocates say that patient interactions with the horses allow them a way to break the ice with patients. Discussing the miniature horses opens a window into patients who are unresponsive.
     
     2) Cliffside Malibu Residential Rehabilitation Program: MTH assists LMFT’s and LVN’s by providing Equine-assisted Psychotherapy and Counseling to clients undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug addiction.
     
     3) Area Universities, Colleges, and Pre-K-12 Schools: MTH works with school counselors, teachers, and psychologists to help students during times of stress- from finals to traumatic events such as the loss of a teacher in the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting and the loss of homes in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. Working with counselors, students find the ability to open up and process their loss and sadness. We have ongoing programs with UCLA and USC. The simple act of petting a miniature horse releases an automatic relaxation response. Research in animal assisted therapy supports what we have witnessed with our Mini Therapy Horses: they help lower anxiety, reduce loneliness, increase mental stimulation, provide a happy distraction, and reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.
     
     4) LA Mayor’s Crisis Response Team: Members of MTH have completed intensive training to become certified Crisis Response Team Members. MTH is on call 24 hours a day to respond to traumatic events in the City of Los Angeles. Effective on-scene compassion and support utilizing our Miniature Horses help “contain” the impact of the traumatic event, such as car accidents, suicides, infant deaths, and homicides. MTH provides follow up visits as well to support survivors. This in turn helps survivors begin a path to rebuilding healthy, fulfilling, productive lives, rather than down a path to despair, substance abuse, school failure, job loss, family breakup, and other problems.
     
     
     5) Shriner’s for Children’s Medical Center: MTH works with medical staff utilizing EAS to decrease patient anxiety and fear before and after procedures and clinic visits.
     
     6) UCLA Health Care System: MTH partners with the UCLA People Animal Connection to provide EAS to patients, Staff, and visitors at the UCLA Medical Centers. Our horses provide positive interaction, comfort, and relief.
     
     7) Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court: MTH works with Social Workers and Child Life Specialists to provide EAS to high-risk children before and after they appear in Juvenile Court to testify against their abusers. Double leash walking, hugging, petting, brushing, and playing games like soccer with the horses or holding a keyboard that the horses play are just some of the interventions used. Our horses bring comfort and hope to these children in need.
     
     8) Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles: MTH works with staff to provide EAS to the residents, most of whom are elderly and suffer from a variety of medical issues, including physical limitations, PTSD and dementia. Our horses help patients feel less isolated, more social and provide a sense of calm and peace.
     
     9) Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County - MTH provides EAS services for 16 different Sheriff’s Youth Foundation centers. Our primary goal for our outreach with SYF is to empower the children to lead—both literally and figuratively! We teach the children to lead, groom, and interact with our horses, inspiring them to pursue leadership roles and participate in uplifting their communities.
     
     Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
     Populations served:
     
     1) Ronald McDonald Houses: MTH works with Child Life Specialists to provide EAS to children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
     
     2) Shriner’s for Children’s Medical Center in Pasadena: MTH works with OT and PT caring for children undergoing complicated medical procedures, including surgeries and treatment for scoliosis and limb prothesis. Therapists incorporate the miniature horses into specific exercises to meet individual patients’ therapeutic goals. Even via Zoom, the horses motivate the children to participate in their therapy. For example, a child rolls a ball towards the computer screen where she reaches out as directed to touch the horse’s nose/muzzle. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the child’s back and improves her balance.
     
     Interacting with our Miniature Horses is a great motivator for children who are reluctant or shy to participate in therapy. We have small brushes that fit perfectly in a child’s hand; the act of brushing a horse is excellent occupational therapy. We work with double leash walking, where a horse-handler and the child jointly walk one of the horses. The child, with their walker or in their wheelchair, hold one of the leads and the handler has the other, ensuring safety and control with the horse. This simple act reaps huge benefits. The children feel empowered, confident, and proud all while having fun in a way that distracts them from their current situation.
     
     EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING SERVICES
     Equine Assisted Learning services encompass:
      Academic Learning
      Self-improvement, Wellness, Team Building, and/or Personal or Professional Coaching
     
     Population served:
     
     1) Area Universities, Colleges, and Pre-K-12 Schools, Greater Los Angeles Veterans’ Hospital, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Shriners’ for Children’s Medical Center: MTH works with medical staff (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff) and educators in our local schools to provide support, team building, and de-stressor events.
     
     2) Library Program: MTH works with several librarians in the LA Public library system as well as teachers in our local public schools as part of their literacy program providing Equine Assisted Learning. Our miniature horses’ involvement creates a special and magical event for parents and children, which in turn creates important, positive memories about reading and libraries, thereby inspiring children to read. We also talk about the importance of volunteering and caring for others in our community, and how our horses make a difference in peoples’ lives.
     
     3) Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County - The SYF motto states: "Lead, empower, inspire!” Our outreach goals in partnership with SYF center wholly on this motto—We help foster self-improvement in children in the SYF centers by teaching them confidence, leadership, and collaboration.
     
     We also participate in a variety of community events throughout the year. This includes Fleet Week, veteran appreciation events, community preparedness events, orphanage outreach, and speaking engagements at local schools and libraries. One of the highlights of our year is marching in the world famous Rose Parade, which we have done five times (and counting!). Sharing our mission with 700,000 people live, as well as tens of millions watching around the world, is such an honor, and we are humbled by how welcome we are always made to feel.
     
     Advocating for horses and teaching others about the special nature of horses is a natural part of our work because we truly believe they have the power to change lives. Whenever we are out in public, whether it’s on a visit to a hospital or simply strolling the neighborhood on a training walk, we are constantly stopped and asked questions about the minis. We feel so much excitement when people show an interest in the horses, and we love educating others about these special little creatures. Being ambassadors, not just for minis, but for all horses, is a responsibility we welcome and we hope to inspire others when they see the compassion and joy our horses bring.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

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POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial