Small horses stand tall in lifting spirits
SOMETIMES the smallest things can make a big difference to a sick child – especially when they’re tiny horses.
Kids at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney were given a rare treat yesterday, taking a break from treatment to spend time playing outside with miniature horses Millie and Paris.
It’s not the first time the hospital has welcomed animal visitors, having previously hosted baby farm animals and reptile shows, but this was a first for miniature horses.
Mikaela Micallef, owner of Enchanted Show Stables, said her miniature horses loved interacting with the young patients.
She said the two horses – the smallest just 66cm high – loved being around other little creatures.
“To see the little kids smile here is just so cute,” she said.
The four- legged visitors were a much- needed boost for horse- loving six- year- old Safiya Sowaid, who has been left bedridden after being struck down by an unexpected virus.
“She’s got a really bad virus in her neck that just come up out of nowhere,” her father Mohamad said.
“So she’s been here for the past four days getting treatment.
“She’s a lot better now. When she came in she was all swollen around her neck and she had a rash.”