Meet the miniature horse who promotes mental growth and authored a book
Michelangelo is a miniature therapy horse who has an important job in New Jersey: he visits assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and group homes, as well as schools for children with special needs. According to EquestrianTherapy.com, therapy horses are used to help promote emotional growth, particularly those with ADD, anxiety, autism, dementia, delay in mental development, down syndrome and other genetic syndromes, depression, trauma and brain injuries, behavior and abuse issues, as well as a variety of other mental health conditions.
Bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he meets isn’t his only job; Michelangelo is also the author of a recently published picture book.
Michelangelo, The Little Therapy Horse tells the story of his life, which begins in Pennsylvania and continues at Hope’s Promise Farm in New Jersey, where he finds a new family and embarks upon his life as a therapy horse. Michelangelo’s book, 60 pages filled with beautiful pictures, is available for checkout at all 10 Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s Library branches.
Not only can you check his book out at SCLSNJ, but you can meet him, wearing his adorable shoes! – there, too. This summer and fall, community members of all ages can meet Michelangelo during programs at four SCLSNJ branches. During the programs, attendees will learn about miniature horses, what they eat, where they live, and since they are too small too ride, what kinds of jobs they have. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pet and visit with Michelangelo, as well as have their picture taken with him. His book will be available for purchase.
Michelangelo will be making his appearance at North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield on September 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Michelangelo, The Little Therapy Horse programs are family friendly; all ages are welcome. Registration is required. To register, visit SCLSNJ.org or contact your local SCLSNJ Library branch.
(above) Jessica Bauer, an SCLSNJ youth services librarian at our Hillsborough Library branch with Michelangelo, The Little Therapy Horse.
