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NewsDepth Petting Zoo: Miniature Horse at Work

You've probably heard of art therapy or therapy dogs. But one unique pet is bringing therapy and a smile to some kids who really need it. Vanessa Murdock reports.


THE CLICK CLACK OF HOOVES CAN BE HEARD IN THE HALLWAY AS HONOR MAKES HIS WAY TOWARD THE PATIENTS OF KRAVIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AT MT. SINAI... WHEN HE ENTERS THE ROOM, THE CHILDREN LOOK STAR STRUCK         PERHAPS IT'S BECAUSE HONOR ISN'T THE COLOR THIS LITTLE LADY EXPECTED... "I think its going to be purple" "A real purple horse" (Dr. Lisa Satlin - System Chair of Pediatrics for the Mount Sinai Health System) "this is what the kids need, they do need these activities to take their minds off why they're here." DR. LISA SATLIN - SYSTEM CHAIR OF PEDIATRICS FOR THE MOUNT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM SAYS BEING HOSPITALIZED IS STRESSFUL.... "they're sick they don't feel well.  They're not with their friends.  They're here in the hospital being poked and prodded. Anything we can do to get their minds off their illness and on something else really is impactful." (Jorge Garcia-Bengochea - Cofounder Gentle Carousel Minitature Therapy Horses) "there's something mystical about a little horse walking into a children's hospital its a magical moment every time..." JORGE GARCIA-BENGOCHEA IS THE COFOUNDER OF GENTLE CAROUSEL MINIATURE THERAPY HORSES AN ALL VOLUNTEER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION... HE KNOWS HIS LITTLE HORSE MAKES A BIG IMPACT.... (Maria - 19 Years Old) "it's a beautiful horse." Amazing." NATALEA BENTENITC TELLS US HER DAUGHTER MARIA HAS BEEN AT KRAVIS FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS...THIS MOMENT IS MAGICAL.... (Natalea Bentenitc, Mother) "They really need something to help them feel better in their heart...Amazing." FOR THESE SICK CHILDREN...HONOR PROVIDES THE PERFECT DISTRACTION.