By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
When it comes to loving people, Michelangelo doesn’t horse around.
“He loved people from the time he was little,” said Maureen Coultas, owner of miniature therapy horse, Michelangelo, and director of Hope’s Promise, 34 South Road, Chester, New Jersey.
“Messenger of God” is the meaning of the name Michelangelo. Coultas thought the name was appropriate not only because of the mark of a cross on the horse’s forehead, but because of how good he is with people. Coultas brings him to visit schools, colleges, nursing homes, libraries, and assisted living facilities. On February 2, 2018 Coultas came to Senior Services Center of The Chatams, 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham, New Jersey.
During the visit, Coultas gave a 45-minute presentation teaching the seniors about miniature horses, which are smaller than ponies. Ponies are 38 inches or taller; Michelangelo is between 32 to 33 inches and weighs 250 pounds. And he’s 4- years-old. He also wears sneakers so he’s protected from slipping on a wood or tile floor.
Michelangelo’s first therapy visit was with a group of special needs children. A 3-year-old child was unable to walk without a walker.
However, she was so excited to see Michelangelo, she walked towards him without a walker, according to Coultas. “He’s different with children with special needs,” she said. “He likes children with special needs better.”
At another visit in a nursing home a man was feeling down in the dumps, but he was thrilled to see Michelangelo and his spirits lifted.
Coultas got Michelangelo when he was just 4-months-old. She said she loved all animals growing up and would bring home birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. “I always wanted a horse,” she said. “I started saving when I was 8; and got my first horse at 40.” When she realized how therapeutic having a horse was, she wanted to “pay it forward.” In addition to Michelangelo, Coultas has four other miniature therapy horses. All the horses are trained to go inside buildings and elevators. They will even go in a bedroom to visit a bed-ridden individual.
Following the presentation, seniors were able to pet and take photos with Michelangelo.
“It’s like petting velvet,” said Marilyn Chaplin, a visitor at the Center.
She also said she felt less stressed after petting him.
The event was sponsored by IKOR in Gillette, New Jersey. Matt Finnie, managing director of IKOR, compares therapy horses to therapy dogs. He said, “They interact well with people. They want love and attention.
People love to give it back.”
For more information on Hope’s Promise, visit: hopespromisefarm.com.
For more information on IKOR, visit: ikorglobal.com
(above) Michelangelo interacting with seniors.
(above) Maureen Coultas and Michelangel, who is wearing sneakers to prevent slipping.
