Miniature Therapy Horses Visited Asheville Seniors
Two therapy horses brought joy to participants at the CarePartners PACE Day Center in Asheville.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Large Animals
Miniature horses Jolene and Ladybug visited the CarePartners PACE Day Center in Asheville to engage with participants. The visit served as a special celebration for Healthy Aging Month and National PACE Month.
Why it matters
The visit highlighted the importance of social connection and active engagement for seniors. These interactions are designed to foster well-being through meaningful community experiences.
The event featured two miniature therapy horses brought from the Free Rein Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education in Brevard. The session included music, games, and snow cones to facilitate interaction.
The players
Free Rein Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education
This Brevard-based organization provides therapeutic services using horses to support community members.
CarePartners PACE
An Asheville-based center that provides comprehensive medical and social services to help seniors remain independent.
The details
Participants had the opportunity to pet the horses and interact with the animals directly. The attendees also joined in singing the song Jolene during the hour-long visit.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Miniature therapy horses visited the CarePartners PACE Day Center.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the growing shift toward incorporating animal-assisted activities into senior care programming. It highlights how community-led initiatives align with national awareness campaigns to promote holistic well-being for the elderly.
The event demonstrates the practical integration of social programming within local healthcare settings. Residents and their families can expect continued efforts to include such experiences in local care schedules to support long-term mental and social health.
The takeaway
Incorporating animal therapy can significantly improve the mood and social engagement of individuals in care facilities. Communities looking to replicate this success should prioritize consistent, interactive activities that encourage active participation.
Further reading
Learn more about animal engagement in our Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
