Benefits
The power of ponies
Even sharing a brief connection with our gentle ponies gives a number of benefits: physical, mental,
social and cognitive
Physical
Mental
Ponies inspire movement. It might be as simple as coming to the door to see us and patting them.
Horses are intuitive animals and are attuned to read human emotion better than we can.
Social
Cognitive Benefits
The ponies bring a motivation for those in aged care to come out of rooms, they spark conversation and connection
Memories often are shared during our connection with the ponies.
Physical Benefits
Motivation to move
Movement is key to supporting muscle strength, balance, coordination and flexibility, particularly as people age or recover from injuries.
During our pony visits, people are inspired to move – getting up as our ponies arrive, lifting their arms to stroke their coat and mane, or leaning forward for a nuzzle.
Mental Benefits
The presence of a pony has an instantly calming and uplifting effect – reducing feelings of isolation, loneliness and stress and aiding in emotional healing.
Words aren't necessary: the ponies have an intuitive ability to sense people’s emotions and know when they are needed most.
Soothing Souls
Social Benefits
Social connections are essential to our mental and physical health and for reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The surprise of having a pony on the premises is a great drawcard for bringing people together and sparking conversation.
After all, it isn't every day a pony comes to visit!
Sparking Conversation
Cognitive Benefits
The presence of ponies has an extraordinary ability to trigger memories and improve focus in dementia patients.
Even sensory experiences, such as feeling the pony's breath on their skin or hearing the sound of hooves on the floor, can bring moments of joy and clarity.
Awakening Senses & Memories
Hospital Stays
Ponies offer a positive distraction from the unfamiliar surroundings of a hospital or when undergoing treatments.
Their surprise visits create moments of respite and happiness, helping to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.
A welcome distraction
WHO WE SERVE
Tailored Visits for your Needs
For Aged Care & Healthcare Providers
We provide professionally delivered pony visits to aged care and healthcare settings, bringing calm, connection and joy directly to residents. Our miniature ponies are specially prepared for indoor and bedside visits, creating meaningful moments that support emotional wellbeing, connection and engagement
For Families
Families can book a pony visit to surprise a loved one or as a gift for those in aged care, healthcare or at home. Our mini ponies create unforgettable moments of joy, comfort and connection — often lifting spirits, sparking memories and turning an ordinary day into something truly special.
Why ponies?
The relationship between humans and horses has been sustained for over 6,000 years. This connection has given rise to the use of horses in animal-assisted activities to improve the mental, physical and social wellbeing of people around the world.
Horses are intelligent, intuitive and social creatures that use sounds and body language to interact with the rest of their herd. By nature, horses are prey animals, making them keen observers of emotional states - even more so than dogs.
Horses have an uncanny ability to recognise, mirror and respond to our feelings. This creates an atmosphere of emotional safety, and a sense of calmness and comfort that's hard to replicate - giving them an invaluable role during our pony visits.
Pony visits are a little bit out of the ordinary and a lovely surprise - giving people a reason to move, smile and something to talk about with others. And being miniature ponies, they can go almost anywhere, even in lifts!
Horse Power
Meet the Our Tiny Team
Pony in Training & Travel Companion
Rosie
Age: 4 years
8hh or 34 inches in height.
Rosie is our cheekiest little character! She is still growing in confidence as she becomes more accustomed to indoor environments and the bustle of busy spaces. With a strong personality, she’s not shy about making her opinions known.
However, when she is with children—particularly those with disabilities—Rosie shows a beautifully calm and gentle side. She is often seen alongside Buddy as his trusted travel companion.
Current Superstar
Buddy
Age: 18 years
8hh or 34 inches in height.
Buddy has completed over 80 visits to aged care and healthcare settings across the Central Coast and Northern Sydney.
Naturally inquisitive, Buddy genuinely enjoys his visits and has a remarkable ability to sense when he is especially needed—particularly during special request visits. Incredibly friendly and people-focused, he connects effortlessly with residents and brings comfort and joy wherever he goes.
And like any good pony, he has a soft spot for liquorice!
Pony in Training
June
Age: 12 years
8hh or 34 inches in height.
June is currently in training and has a beautifully gentle nature.
Best friends with Honey, the two can often be found playfully running around the paddock—usually just out of reach when it’s time to be caught. June sometimes accompanies Buddy on visits to observe and gradually become familiar with the environment. For now, she is most comfortable in outdoor spaces as she continues to build her confidence.
Pony in Training
Moonie
Age: 12 years
9hh or 36 inches in height.
Moonie has recently begun her training and is gently being introduced to the sights and sounds of indoor environments. As she builds her confidence, she is taking everything in with quiet curiosity.
She is a sensitive and deeply sweet-natured pony, showing a calm and thoughtful temperament that will continue to blossom with time and experience.
Pony in Training
Lorelai
Age: 4 years
7.5hh or 30 inches in height.
Lorelai is our tiniest pony and is currently in training. She is already comfortable in indoor environments and shows a natural ease around people.
We’re just about to begin bringing her along on visits with Buddy—once she’s fully comfortable in her new shoes—so she can observe and gradually become familiar with the busy atmosphere of aged care and healthcare settings. She is incredibly sweet and full of potential.
Pony Companion
Honey
Age: 9 years
8.5hh or 34 inches in height.
Honey didn’t have the best start to life, having been abandoned early on. As a result, she can be cautious around new people, but she is slowly learning that there is kindness and safety in the world.
She is comfortable in indoor environments and continues to build her confidence with each experience. For now, Honey joins visits as a gentle travelling companion to our other ponies. She is, at heart, a very sweet and affectionate girl.
Future Visit Pony & Companion
Comet
Age: 15 months
8 hh or 34 inches in height.
Comet is our second cheekiest pony—a title he wears proudly, and one that certainly reflects his young age. He is gradually being introduced to indoor environments and is already showing plenty of confidence and curiosity.
These days, he’s known for tapping on the door with his hoof, politely asking to be let in— usually making a beeline straight for the kitchen in search of a treat. He seems quite at ease indoors, and we will continue to gently build his confidence, particularly around wearing shoes and navigating smaller spaces.
For now, we enjoy his playful company at the door or as we prepare our other ponies for their visits.
Vicki, Evergreen West Gosford, NSW
“Our Residents and staff love to have a visit from Buddy & Lisa. Buddy is very gentle and patient with the Residents, going into many of their rooms, which is a big thrill for them as it brings back lots of happy memories."
Kristi, Kanwal Gardens Care Community, Kanwal NSW
“Ponies of the Forest visit our care community each month and it is amazing to see the beautiful connections made between not only the ponies and the residents, but Lisa as well. Our residents are always excited for their visit. This engagement opens many opportunities for reminiscing and Lisa is very generous with her time, one on one with every resident. The ponies are ideal for bedside visits, group interaction and we observe warm responses from people living with dementia."
