Gentle Carousel In Magazines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Animals Who’ve Earned Awards       1. Smoky the War Dog Smoky was one of the most decorated war dogs in U.S. history. The 4-pound, 7-inch tall Yorkshire Terrier was found by an American soldier in an abandoned foxhole in the New Guinea jungle and was later sold to Corporal William A. Wynne of Cleveland. Smoky got her first taste of war during backpacking trips and combat flights with Wynne. She was credited for surviving 12 combat missions and awarded eight battle stars. Smoky helped save Wynne's life several times by warning him of oncoming fire and helping him find cover. Thanks to Smoky's small and slender body, she was able to assist crewmen by running wires underground and handling complicated digging tasks. Although Smoky passed away more than 50 years ago, she is still being recognized today with six memorials dedicated in her name. Corporal Wynne recently accepted the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals Certificate for Animal Bravery on behalf of Smoky. 1.    D 2. Dotty the Donkey An English donkey named Dotty earned the prestigious People's Dispensary for Sick Animals Certificate for Animal Bravery after she saved her friend, Stanley the sheep, from a vicious pit bull attack. When Dotty saw Stanley being attacked, she didn't act sheepish. She galloped over to the dog, pinned it to the ground and chased it out of the field. Stanley suffered facial paralysis and lost two teeth in the attack. The pit bull responsible for the attack and other injuries on the farm was euthanized. 2.     3. Diamond the Pit Bull The Hayward family has their heroic pit bull, Diamond, to thank for being alive and well today. In October 2010, Diamond woke everyone up when their apartment caught fire. Her owner, Darryl Steen, grabbed his 9-year-old daughter and safely dropped her out of the window, but he couldn't find his 16-year-old daughter who was hiding under a mattress. Diamond found the teenager and courageously shielded her from the flames. Firefighters found Steen's daughter and Diamond and brought them to safety. Both Steen and his teenage daughter were hospitalized for their severe burns. The 15-month-old dog also underwent treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. The Hayward's powerful story garnered a lot of media attention, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles presented their 29th Annual National Hero Dog award to Diamond for her heroic actions. Steen has used this opportunity to speak out against discrimination of pit bulls and show a softer side of this misunderstood breed. 3.     4. Winnie the Cat A wise cat named Winnie won the ASPCA Cat of the Year Award in 2007 for saving her owners from carbon monoxide poisoning. The 14-year-old domestic shorthair was snoozing at her family's house in New Castle, Ind., when she sensed something wasn't right. She went into her owners Cathy and Michael Keesling's room to alert them of the toxic fumes. Winnie jumped on the bed and began meowing wildly to alert her owners, waking Cathy who proceeded to dial 911. Her husband was not responding and their 14-year-old son was unconscious on the bedroom floor. Paramedics arrived quickly and got the whole family to safety, thanks to the early warning by their beloved Winnie. 4.     5. Cher Ami the Pigeon Cher Ami was not your average pigeon on the street. This wartime pigeon was one of hundreds of thousands of pigeons who were enlisted by the U.S. military to conduct surveillance missions and send messages. But there was something special about Cher Ami. He flew for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I and helped relay 12 important messages before being shot down by enemies in 1919. Cher Ami was struck in the breast and leg, but still managed to deliver the message in spite of his injuries. Cher Ami's courage and dedication to the mission helped save the lives of 194 soldiers in Major Charles Whittlesey's "Lost Battalion." The brave pigeon was awarded the French Croix de Guerre award for his military contributions, and his body is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 5.     6. Magic the Miniature Horse Magic the miniature horse shows that big things can come in the smallest packages. The blue-eyed therapy horse was named AARP's Most Heroic Pet in 2009 for her magical work on an elderly woman who rediscovered her voice. While visiting an assisted-living facility in Florida, Magic prompted resident Kathleen Loper to speak for the first time in years. The facility's staff was stunned to hear the silent woman ask "Isn't she beautiful?" All it took was one look at the beautiful miniature horse to get Loper to communicate, and she has been talking ever since that moment. Magic and the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses continue to assist patients across Florida. 6.     7. Lulu the Kangaroo Lulu, an Australian pet kangaroo, earned the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' highest award, the National Animal Valor Award, which honors exceptional courage in times of danger. Lulu helped save the life of her owner, Australian farmer Len Richards, who was hit by a falling tree branch and knocked unconscious on the family farm. The 4-year-old kangaroo made a commotion for help by barking loudly. Richards' wife heard Lulu's bark and found her husband in distress. Lulu was standing over Richards and rolled him onto his side so he could breathe. He was flown to a hospital via helicopter and made a full recovery thanks to his trusty marsupial. 7.     8. Trakr the Police Dog Trakr was one of the most celebrated police dogs in the world because of his courageous search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. At the time of the 9/11 attacks, Trakr, a German shepherd police dog from Nova Scotia, had already retired, but he and his trainer decided to go to New York City to help. Trakr was credited for finding the last survivor buried under debris at the site of the World Trade Center. Trakr suffered from smoke inhalation, exhaustion and burns during his rescue efforts. Years later, Trakr was stricken with a degenerative neurological disorder and died in 2009. Not only were Trakr's heroic efforts recognized with the Extraordinary Service to Humanity Award, but the dog's DNA was chosen in a BioArts International contest as the most "cloneworthy dog." Trakr was cloned and five puppies were produced. 8.     9. Scarlett the Cat Scarlett was a legendary cat who risked her life to rescue her five kittens from a fire in Brooklyn. The calico cat suffered serious burns to her eyes, ears and face as she entered the blazing building to grab her kittens one by one. Four of the five kittens survived the blaze and the entire family was adopted. The North Shore Animal Shelter created an award in Scarlett's honor, called the Scarlett Award for Animal Heroism, which is given to animals that engage in heroic acts that benefit humans or other animals. This famous feline was also awarded a certificate for bravery from the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 9.     10. Toby the black Lab Toby, a black Labrador from England, did everything in his power to prevent a burglar from coming into his home and hurting his owners during a 2007 break-in. Toby barked and snarled at the burglar, who retaliated by stabbing the dog multiple times with his knife. Toby suffered a punctured lung and several stab wounds to his chest, but he managed to scare the burglar off. The brave black lab made a full recovery and earned himself the prestigious People's Dispensary for Sick Animals' gold award for bravery in 2009.

 

 

Magic uitgeroepen tot dierenheld van het jaar in Amerika.   Magic biedt troost aan eenzame ouderen Een bejaarde vrouw uit een verzorgingstehuis in Florida, had na een dodelijk ongeval van haar man drie jaar geleden geen woord meer gesproken. Haar familie was bang dat de getraumatiseerde dame voor altijd zou zwijgen. Maar toen wandelde Magic het verzorgingstehuis binnen. Het miniatuurpaardje liep recht op de vrouw af en terwijl de begeleider van het therapiepaardje een gesprek aan knoopte met een verzorgster, begon de oude vrouw plotseling tegen Magic te praten. "Is ze niet prachtig?" waren haar eerste woorden. "Het is een paard." De directrice van het verzorgingstehuis begon te huilen en vertelde de oude vrouw dat ze van haar hield. "Ik hou ook van jou," was het antwoord - de eerste volledige zin die sinds drie jaar weer door de vrouw werd uitgesproken. Toen Magic (volledige naam: Strebor Black Magic On Demand) weer vertrok, vroeg de vrouw: "Komt ze ooit weer?" Zes maanden na het eerste bezoek van Magic praat de vrouw nog steeds. Volgens het personeel van het tehuis is de vrouw stukken vrolijker en actiever en lijkt weer zin te hebben in het leven.   Magic met een dakloze oudere man. Het talent van het kleine paardje om weer vreugde en hoop te geven aan mensen, heeft haar de titel "Grootste dierenheld van Amerika" opgeleverd tijdens een verkiezing in het tijdschrift AARP (American Association of Retired Persons.) Magic nam het op tegen tien finalisten en werd door de ruim 25 miljoen lezers unaniem gekozen tot Dierenheld van het Jaar. Het kleine paardje met blauwe ogen werkt met volwassenen en kinderen in ziekenhuizen, hospice-faciliteiten en verzorgingstehuizen. De merrie wordt tevens ingezet bij mishandelde kinderen en kinderen met een beperking. Magic kan trappen opklimmen en afdalen, gaat mee in liften en is voorzichtig met medische apparatuur in ziekenhuizen. Magic is ook zindelijk. Een op sterven liggende oude vrouw praatte tijdens haar laatste dagen alleen nog maar over de pony die ze in haar jeugd had gehad. Haar laatste wens was om nog eenmaal een pony te kunnen aaien voor ze zou overlijden. Haar familieleden benaderden Debbie Garcia-Bengochea van de stichting, die natuurlijk niet kon weigeren.   Magic met een ernstig ziek kindje. De familieleden vertelden de oude vrouw dat ze nog niet moest opgeven, omdat ze een speciale verrassing voor haar hadden. Dezelfde dag nog arriveerde Magic. De merrie wist instinctief precies hoe ze zich voorzichtig kon manouvreren tussen het meubilair en drie generaties familieleden die rond het bed van de vrouw zaten. Voorzichtig legde ze haar hoofd tegen de hand van de vrouw aan. De oude vrouw opende haar ogen en aaide de neus van het kleine paardje. Bijna op hetzelfde moment dat Magic haar begroette, zei de vrouw vaarwel. Haar laatste wens was in vervulling gegaan en ze stierf vredig in haar bed, omgeven door familieleden en met het hoofd van Magic op haar hand. De organisatie Gentle Carousel, in eigendom van Debbie en Jorge Garcia-Bengochia, is bijzonder blij met de kleine Magic, die de afgelopen jaren al voor veel kleine wondertjes heeft gezorgd en honderden mensen in het hart heeft geraakt. "Magic is de speciale vriendin van een achtjarig meisje die een harttransplantatie heeft ondergaan en nu ook nog eens een gevecht tegen leukemie moet overwinnen. Magic heeft een voormalig soldaat uit coma gekregen en ze is afgelopen week nog bij iemand gebleven die vredig stierf, terwijl zijn hand op het hoofd van Magic lag te rusten." "Magic draagt haar naam niet voor niets en heeft zelfs een eigen gedicht, speciaal voor haar geschreven. Ze heeft al veel personen geholpen en is erg bijzonder. Overal waar ze gaat en staat weet ze mensen te ontroeren en hoop te geven. Het lijkt wel alsof ze precies weet wat mensen nodig hebben. Dit kleine paardje heeft een heel groot hart en we hopen dat ze nog jarenlang vele mensen tot steun kan zijn." Klik hier voor de speciale pagina van Magic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  This photo was taken when Therapy Horse Stardust was only one day old!  It appeared in Horse Illustrated Magazine.

 

 

 

Martha Stewart's   Halloween Pets 2011 Photo Contest     Our Winner   Cloudburst, a miniature horse from Gainesville, Florida. "These tiny therapy horses (only 19 and 20 inches tall) work inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer's patients, group homes, and with patients in hospice care.  They also work with sheriff's officers in high-crime neighborhoods as part of a community outreach program and help children with developmental delays and at risk-and abused children. They'll wear a tuxedo to a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness or work with autistic children -- these little horses bring special love where it is needed most.   Cloudburst is a member of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. The team of 26 tiny therapy horses visits thousands of adults and children each year. Learn more at horse-therapy.org.               Several weeks before the contest winner was announced Martha Stewart mentioned Gentle Carousel on Twitter and gave the link to our website.  Thank you Martha!

 

Who Said That?   "When you're in a hospital and stuck in bed and a real horse comes in, it's really special." -- Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, founder of Gentle Carousel   The last couple of years have been very good to Magic, a miniature horse that visits the sick and promotes literacy in North Central Florida. The little mare's legend is growing almost daily over a series of encounters with the sick and dying that range from tender to, some say, miraculous. In fact, her star is shining so brightly these days that her owners recently signed her with an agent in Beverly Hills. It all started a few years ago when the horse, part of the Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses herd, visited a hospital and a patient awoke from a coma. More recently, Magic was visiting a nursing home in Ocala and a resident who hadn't spoken in years started laughing when she saw the little horse in a costume and began speaking again. Gentle Carousel, which is based in Alachua County and has approximately two dozen miniature horses on four farms in the area -- including one in Marion County -- takes its horses to visit sick children, the elderly and libraries in a nine-county area.

 

 

 Circus, who just met these five barking Dalmatians for the first time, won the Southern States Photo Contest and appeared in EquuSSourse Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

Mini Magic Makes Historic List   Magic, famed member of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, has been named to TIME/CNN’s list of "history's ten most courageous animals.” She joins an elite group that includes, among others: - Bucephalus, the famed steed of Alexander the Great - Togo the sled dog who brought serum to save Nome when diphtheria broke out in 1925 - Stubby the WWI hero war dog who became a lifetime member of the American Legion and later became Georgetown University's mascot - Simon the British cat known for her heroic voyage down China's Yangtze River (her obituary appeared in TIME magazine in 1949) - New Zealand's Moko the dolphin The tiny blue-eyed mare works in hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer's patients, group homes and with patients in hospice care. She also works with sheriff's officers in high crime neighborhoods as part of a community outreach program and helps children with developmental delays and at-risk and abused children. From wearing tuxedos to a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness to working with autistic children, Magic brings her special love where it is needed most. Magic visits inside private homes as well as in public programs. She walks up and down stairs, rides in elevators, walks on unusual floor surfaces, works near other animals (including elephants and zebras for a literacy photo shoot) and moves around hospital equipment. She also has learned to let her handler know when she needs to go outside for a bathroom break. Magic has even traveled on airplanes and worked in busy television and radio studios. She is always calm in challenging situations and trusts her handler completely when something unexpected happens. It is always encouraging to see the faces of elderly patients when Magic walks into an assisted living program. One woman had not left her room for six months but was waiting in the lobby early in the morning when she heard Magic was coming. Magic was asked to visit a gentleman who had been the stunt double for John Wayne, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. He had spent his life working with horses and wanted to be with a horse one last time. Another gentleman in hospice care at home passed away with his hand resting on Magic’s head. Magic often returns to her farm with lipstick stains on her face from being kissed so many times. On one therapy horse visit, a woman who had not spoken since she arrived at an assisted care facility three years earlier began talking to Magic. "Isn't she beautiful?" were her first words. "It's a horse." The activities director began to cry and told the woman she loved her. "I love you too," the woman answered ... her first words to another person in all those years. The woman has continued to talk ever since that visit with Magic. Because of the visit, Magic was selected AARP's 2010 Most Heroic Pet in America and her story has traveled around the world in magazines and newspapers from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, Argentina to Pakistan, the Soviet Union to Thailand and South Korea. Magic has a very special relationship with children and when she walks into a bedroom or hospital room it is always a magical experience. Magic has "fairy dust" sparkles in her hair, bright costumes and painted hooves. One little girl recovering from a heart transplant said Magic made her face hurt from smiling so much. A boy losing his sight because of a brain tumor held Magic close to his face so he could always remember what she looked like. "It is like she can see inside my soul," he told his mother. Another girl with leukemia said she would only get out of bed for Magic. When Magic leaves the room, a stuffed horse that looks like the real one is left behind on each bed. Magic's award-winning literacy program, Gentle Carousel's "Reading Is Magic," brings real horses inside schools, at-risk youth programs and libraries to inspire young readers and "bring books to life." The 24 tiny horses in the program look like the horse characters in loved children's books. Magic also makes appearances with therapy horse Sundance, star of the children's novel JASON AND ELIHU, by bestselling author Shelley Mickle to help raise money for child abuse prevention programs. Magic is the star of the children's book LOVE IS, an early reader book for Pre-K and Head Start programs. Magic receives e-mail from children around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

National                   Horse wins Martha Stewart's annual Halloween Photo Contest  He is really holding his basket! Therapy horse Cloudburst wearing his scarecrow costume won Martha Stewart's 2011 Halloween Photo Contest. The photo was selected from over 500 national finalists.   He is really holding his basket! Therapy horse Cloudburst wearing his scarecrow costume won Martha Stewart's 2011 Halloween Photo Contest. The photo was selected from over 500 national finalists. Cloudburst and his therapy horses friends, all wearing Halloween costumes, have spent October "Trick or Treating" inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer's patients and with patients in hospice care. They are members of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity. The horses and volunteers visit over 10,000 adults and children each year. Martha Stewart also mentioned the horse therapy program on Twitter and posted the charity's website information. Another horse in costume, therapy horse Aladdin wearing his outfit from a Muscular Dystrophy Association charity event was selected by Southern Living Magazine for their 2011 Halloween Pet Parade photos. Therapy horse Magic is wearing a tuxedo in the new November issue of National Geographic Kids magazine (in 20 languages / 60 countries). She was also wearing the tux inside In Touch Weekly magazine. It has been a good month for costumes!

 

 

 

 

 

When real horses walk into the hospital room or bedroom of a child it is always a magical experience. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, visits thousands of adults and children each year. The team of 26 tiny therapy horses works inside hospitals, assisted care programs, schools, libraries and with patients in hospice care. From wearing tuxedos to a tea party for a child with a life ending illness to working with Alzheimer’s patients, these little horses bring their special love where it is needed most. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses are some of the smallest horses in the world. Therapy horse Peanut is only 19 inches tall. When working indoors they have learned behavior that is unusual for horses. They walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators, walk on unusual floor surfaces and move around hospital equipment. They even let handlers know when they need to go outside for a bathroom break. People often ask if the tiny horses live indoors. Miniature horses do make great pets but they would not be happy living indoors. They are herd animals and need the companionship of at least one other horse and a place to run and play. They may be small but they are normal horses in every way. On one visit, a woman in an assisted living program who had not spoken in years began talking to a therapy horse named Magic. “Isn’t she beautiful” were her first words. “It’s a horse.”. The activities director began to cry and told the woman she loved her. “I love you too,” the woman answered...her first words to another person in all those years. The woman has continued to talk to her family and the staff since that visit from Magic. Magic also has a very special relationship with children. A little girl recovering from a heart transplant said Magic made her face hurt from smiling so much. A boy losing his sight because of a brain tumor held Magic close to his face so he could always remember what she looked like. “It is like she can see inside my soul,” he told his mother. This year Magic was named by Time Magazine / CNN one of History’s Ten Most Heroic Animals (the only living animal on the list). Magic was also selected The Most Heroic Pets in America by AARP and included in Newsweek/The Daily Beast’s 10 Most Heroic Animals of 2010. She is also a Reader’S Digest / AmericanTowns’ Power of One Hero. www.Horse-Therapy.org 352-226-9009

 

 

World's Best Information World's Best Information is collected from 202 Countries 9 Most Heroic Animal of 2010!!  Author: Jennifer Duncan    Zirgi spēj palīdzēt vēža slimniekiem Horses are able to help cancer patients Svētdiena, 4. aprīlis (2010) 00:19 Miniatūrais zirdziņš Magic kļuvis īpaši iemīļots Floridas slimnīcās un veco ļaužu pansionātos dēļ savas mistiskās spējas palīdzēt nedziedināmi slimajiem. Miniature horse Magic has become especially popular in Florida hospitals and old people's homes because of their mystical ability to help the terminally ill. Magic ir četrus gadus veca ķēvīte ar zilām acīm. Magic is a four-year-old ķēvīte with blue eyes. Miniatūrais zirdziņš ir viens no īpašās ārstniecības/terapijas programmas «Gentle Carousel» dalībniekiem. Miniature horse is one of the special treatment / therapy program "Gentle Carousel 'players. Amerikas Pensionāru asociācija (AARP) 2009.gadā mazo zirdziņu ir atzinusi par ASV drošsirdīgāko mājdzīvnieku. American Association of Retired Workers (AARP) in 2009 the small horse is found on the U.S. drošsirdīgāko pet. Ārstniecības programmā iesaistīto zirgu galvenais uzdevums ir maigi pieņemt pacientu dažādās mīlestības izpausmes. Medical program of the participating horses main task is to gently take the patients in the various manifestations of love. Terapijas zirgi, kopā ar pacientiem, brīvi staigā pa ārstniecībai paredzētajām telpām, radot pacientos neaizmirstamas psiholoģiskas un fiziskas sajūtas. Therapy horses, together with patients free to walk through to treatment rooms provided for patients by creating memorable psychological and physical sensations. Terapijas moto ir: «Mazie zirdziņi ar lielajām sirdīm»! Treatment with the slogan: "Small horse with big hearts"! 2009.gadā vidēji 4000 pieaugušo un bērnu, kuriem bijusi nepieciešamība pēc palīdzības, ir tikuši iesaistīti īpašajā ārstniecības programmā. In 2009, an average of 4,000 adults and children who had a need for assistance, have been involved in the specific treatment program.

 

 

 

 

Horse wins Photo Contest Author: Equine Journal Staff   He is really holding his basket! Therapy horse Cloudburst wearing his scarecrow costume won Martha Stewart's 2011 Halloween Photo Contest. The photo was selected from over 500 national finalists. Cloudburst and his therapy horses friends, all wearing Halloween costumes, have spent October "Trick or Treating" inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer's patients and with patients in hospice care. They are members of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity. The horses and volunteers visit thousands of adults and children each year. Martha Stewart also mentioned the horse therapy program on Twitter and posted the charity's website information. Another Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse in costume named Aladdin was selected by Southern Living Magazine for their 2011 Halloween Pet Parade photos. He  was wearing his costume from a Muscular Dystrophy Association charity event. Therapy horse Magic is wearing a tuxedo in the November issue of National Geographic Kids magazine (in 20 languages / 60 countries). Bringing smiles with tiny horses and Halloween costumes!

 

My little ponies: The adorable miniature horses providing therapy for children in need By Daily Mail Reporter (FEMAIL Magazine)   Standing at just 19 inches tall, these horses are not only the smallest in the world, they also appear to be the kindest.   Real-life 'My Little Ponies', Rainbow, 3, Peanut, 2, are just two of the group of miniature horses providing therapy for children in need.   Debbie and George Garcia-Bengochea from Gainsville, Florida, run Gentle Carousel, one of the world's only mini-horse therapy organisations.   Healing horses: The miniature ponies are part of the Gentle Carousel, one of the world's only mini-horse therapy organisations   After realising the therapeutic benefits of playing with mini horses when they took on foster children themselves, the couple now use their tiny herd of tame horses to bring joy to the lives of other foster children as well as those who are homeless, have suffered abuse or are critically and even terminally ill.   Debbie said: 'These horses can't cure, but they can make a child, and their family, very happy and create wonderful memories.   Good cause: After realising the therapeutic benefits of playing with mini horses, the couple that run the centre now use them to bring joy to the lives of foster children as well as those who are homeless, have suffered abuse or are critically or terminally ill   We took the horses to a camp for children who've suffered with cancer. Magic went up to one of the little boys and rested her head against his.   'We were told later that he had just found out his cancer had returned. She finds the people who need her the most.'   Unlike Guinness World Record-holding horse, Thumbelina, who at 17-iches suffers from a condition called dwarfism - Debbie and George's mini horses are fully grown.   But their small size does not stop these brave horses from being pillars of their community - they even fight crime, with their horse, Magic being named in CNN's list of Ten Most Heroic Animals.   The Gentle Carousel horses are also brought to disabled patients to brighten up their day   'Recently there was a stabbing and the head of the police department asked if Debbie could take Magic and her friends to the neighborhood to visit the victim at home,' said George. 'Everyone came out of their houses when they saw the horses walking down the street. 'It changed the relationship between the police and the community for the better and helped them with the investigation.'   Little and large: The miniature horses stand at 19inches tall, the smallest in the world   Debbie and George train the horses from birth, and now breed new therapy horses within their herd.   All their horses run in a paddock and live as a natural herd. Their therapeutic roles are rotated so they 'work' only one day a week. 'They're job is just to go out and love people and get loved,' said Debbie. 'They're magic is that they're always in the right place at the right time.'

 This photo won first place in the American Miniature Horse Association's Photo Contest and appeared in Miniature Horse World Magazine.

World's Best Information World's Best Information is collected from 202 Countries 9 Most Heroic Animal of 2010!!  Author: Jennifer Duncan    #2. Magic Magic, a miniature horse from Florida is famous as a therapy horse in hospitals, hospice programs and other facilities. With her owner, Magic visits elderly hospice residents, young cancer patients and abused children as part of Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses. She has began her therapy horse training since she was a baby. Magic has become better known since she won The AARP magazine’s 2010 Heroic Pet contest. There is one story which brought Magic the winning votes. During a therapy program, the horse visited a patient, Kathleen Loper, who hadn’t spoken since arriving at the facility three years earlier. When Loper saw Magic, she said, “”Isn’t she beautiful.” After that, Loper has reportedly been conversing with staff at the facility.

 

Happy Horsey Halloween! There are a few times each year when many adults--myself included--transform into big kids, and one of those times is Halloween. The concept of dressing up as alter egos and scaring the pants off anyone available is just something we can't pass up! The winning photo of Gentle Carousel's Cloudburst portraying a scarecrow. One celebrity who always gets into the holiday spirit is the "Queen of Homemaking," Martha Stewart. Also an animal lover and horse owner, Stewart hosts pet photo contests on her website throughout the year. Her latest contest? The 2011 Halloween Pet Photo Contest. And this year the winner was a tiny equid that was just too adorable to say 'no' to. According to a press release from Gentle Carousel Miniature Horses, Steward selected Gentle Carousel Cloudburst as the winner of her Halloween photo contest. The tiny horse was chosen from more than 500 entries from around the nation, the release indicated. "Cloudburst and his therapy horse friends, all wearing Halloween costumes, have spent October 'Trick or Treating' inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer's patients, and with patients in hospice care," the release continued. "They are members of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity. The 26 tiny horses visit thousands of adults and children each year." And yes, the press release noted, Cloudburst really is holding the basket! I was pretty excited to see little Cloudburst recognized, not only for being really stinkin' cute, but also to bring further notoriety to the wonderful therapeutic work Miniature Horses do all across the country. Not something you've heard much about? I would definitely recommend reading up ... it's very heart-warming stuff. Motivated by Cloudburst and the rest of the Minis in costume from Gentle Carousel, I decided to scour the Internet to bring you some of the best in horsey Halloween costumes: A post from the Examiner showed a great paint job to liken a sorrel-colored horse to a giraffe. I can only imagine the time it took get the lines just right...and the patience it took on the horse's part to remain still for that long! Halloweenhorse.blogspot.com kept my attention for quite a while with many intriguing costumes including Little Bo Peep (and a very large sheep), Gumby and Pokey, a pińata, and the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. This site also featured two of the most patient and tolerant horses the world has ever seen dressed as a rocking horse and a tractor (I promise there's a pony in there somewhere!). Not to be outdone, the Midwest Stallion Directory followed up with horses dressed as Dino from The Flintstones, a very scary dragon, Cousin It from The Addams Family (a costume that remarkably resembles my Miniature Horse, Brandy, during the cold winter months...), and--my personal favorite--Gary from SpongeBob SquarePants.

 

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses In the news ... Magic's little friend Peanut is giving her a run for her money when it comes to international news. She was just featured in UK's The Daily Mail and The Telegraph and also managed to be in the news in China and Iraq last week. Peanut's real job as a therapy horse was highlighted when she helped cheer children with life threatening illnesses as Ronald McDonald's look-a-like sidekick. She arrived with Ronald in his "one horsepower" car at a special Ronald McDonald House Charities event. She also teamed with 12 year veteran NFL football player Mike Peterson (Hall of Famer, currently with the Atlanta Falcons) for a children's charity program. Peanut was dressed as a cheerleader and her therapy horse friends were football players and a referee. Next stop for Peanut... a project with Disney to help terminally ill children. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses www.Horse-Therapy.org 352-226-9009 An all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity           In March 2011, Magic the miniature therapy horse was named by TIME magazine /CNN one of History's Ten Most Heroic Animals (the only living animal on the list). Magic makes hospice visits inside private homes as well as in public programs. She walks up and down stairs, rides in elevators, walks on unusual floor surfaces, works near other animals (including elephants and zebras for a literacy photo shoot!) and moves around hospital equipment. She also has learned to let her handler know when she needs to go outside for a bathroom break. Magic has even worked in busy local television and radio studios. She is always calm in challenging situations and trusts her handler completely when something unexpected happens. Magic is a member of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. The team of 26 tiny therapy horses visit thousands of adults and children each year. See more photos of Magic at work: www.Horse-Therapy.org 352-226-9009.

La magia de Magic   Una yegüita enana que se emplea para fines   terapéuticos, sirve de inspiración para el mundo.   Cuando Magic visita "los nińos no piensan en estar enfermos", dice Jorge García-Bengochea. — Jennifer Anfinsen   In English | Magic, una yegüita enana de ojos azules que se emplea para fines terapéuticos, y que ganó el concurso de AARP The Magazine como la mascota más heróica en el 2009, ha sido reconocida por la revista Times como uno de los animales más valientes de la historia.     Artículos relacionados       El animal, de cuatro ańos, inspiró a Kathleen Loper, quien vive en un hogar de vida asistida, a hablar por primera vez después de haber llegado al hogar varios ańos atrás. "żNo es linda?", Preguntó Loper cuando vió a Magic por primera vez. El personal del hogar miró atónito mientras Loper seguía hablando. "La conexión que estableció con Magic era mágica", afirma Ann Marie Malave, coordinadora del centro. Un periodista y fotógrafo local que hacía un reportaje sobre caballos terapéuticos documentó el acontecimiento. Antes de que Magic se fuera ese día, Loper preguntó: "żVolverá?" Loper ha seguido hablando desde entonces. El heroísmo de Magic continúa transformando otras vidas en el norte de Florida. Visita hospitales y programas para enfermos desahuciados, además de bibliotecas y escuelas como parte de un proyecto para fomentar la lectura, el cual lleva su nombre. También ayuda a la policía a acercarse a la población en barrios azotados por la delincuencia. Pero desde que ganó nuestro concurso, Magic ha alcanzado un nuevo nivel de fama. Periódicos y sitios web en todo el mundo, incluso en Pakistán, Tailandia y Letonia, han escrito artículos sobre ella, y figura de protagonista en un libro infantil que se publicará en octubre. Lo recaudado se utilizará para ayudar a nińos en situaciones de riesgo que participan en programas de lectura para la primera infancia y a una escuela sin fines de lucro para nińos autistas. "Ahora recibe cientos de correos electrónicos de nińos que quieren verla", dice Debbie García-Bengochea, una de los adiestradores de Magic. "Para muchos, es su última voluntad". Debbie y su esposo, Jorge, fundaron y manejan la organización sin fines de lucro Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses y tratan de visitar a tantas personas necesitadas como les es posible. Es la segunda profesión de ambos. Ella era directora de escuela; él trabajaba en bienes raíces. Después de adoptar a tres nińos pequeńos con historial de trauma, el matrimonio, que ahora tienen más de 50 ańos, recurrió a animales terapéuticos para ayudar a sus hijos. "Empezamos con un caballo de tamańo normal y rápidamente descubrimos que un caballo grande y fuerte puede intimidar a un nińo pequeńo, a los adultos mayores o a alguien con una discapacidad", explicó Debbie. "Cuando vi un caballo enano por primera vez, supe que podríamos hacer algo diferente".

 Therapy Horse Circus in The Horse For Everyone.

Horse of The Month : Little Rainbow   Rainbow was only 14" tall at birth (a tie for the smallest horse ever born). He is two years old now and is still very tiny, but healthy and normal in every way. He may be small but he has a big heart. Rainbow is a member of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. He works as a therapy horse inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer patients, group homes and with patients in hospice care. He also works with adults and children with disabilities and at risk and abused children. From a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness to working as part of the treatment process inside a school for autistic children, Rainbow brings his special love where it is needed most. Rainbow is able to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators, walk on different floor surfaces, move around hospital equipment...and yes he is potty trained. Rainbow spent the summer visiting libraries and at risk youth programs to promote literacy as part of Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic program. Rainbow will have his own book released this month featuring high frequency vocabulary words for young children. Other highlights from Rainbow's life: Rainbow has appeared in national magazines including a two page feature in Woman's World magazine. Rainbow has worked with canine movie star Benji (the star of the film Benji Off The Leash) and film writer, producer, director, bestselling author and man behind the canine superstar, Joe Camp. Benji and Rainbow were filmed for a documentary. Rainbow appeared with the stars at AARP's national convention this month with his best friend Magic. Magic, also a Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse was selected the Most Heroic Pet In America by AARP. Rainbow accepted an outstanding contribution to literacy award from the mayor. Rainbow also worked with a police community outreach program in high crime areas of his city. He is a sweet, funny, kind little horse that has always been willing to try anything. Read more about these amazing little horses in our interview..

First Place and People's Choice Winner in HorseWorks Photography Contest.

 

Lake City care center hosts Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses       Magic stands at only 27 inches tall, can walk up and down stairs and easily adapt to sounds and motions that might startle another animal. Anyone who encounters this miniature horse discovers that her unusually bright blue eyes can pierce the soul, providing comfort and peace. It’s those qualities, along with her gentle personality, that make her the perfect visitor for hospice patients.   Thanks to an organization called Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses, Magic visited with patients and families June 11 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. Patients and staff were ecstatic to see and pet Magic, accompanied by her trainer, Jorge Garcia-Bengochea. Garcia- Bengochea serves as executive director of Gentle Carousel, which has been serving the local community for nine years. He and his wife Debbie have taken Magic and their 12 other miniature horses to visit countless organizations from Jacksonville to Ocala, including Alz Place, the Ronald McDonald House, the Sterling House of Gainesville and many more.Selected for their beauty, tiny stature and sweet spirit, the horses work with children who are autistic or have life-threatening illnesses, with nursing home patients, and with adults who have Alzheimer’s disease, among others. “You can’t change someone’s circumstances,” said Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, “but you can make them laugh and give them a happy day.”

A Miniature Horse named Magic has been named the "Most Heroic Pet in America" in a vote organized by the AARP. Magic, a therapy horse, has touched thousands of patients over the past few years. She is a special friend to an 8-year-old girl who had a heart transplant and now is winning her fight with leukemia. Magic was at a hospital bed as someone woke from a coma. She comforted a man who peacefully passed away with his hand resting on Magic's head. From the Ronald McDonald House to programs for autistic children, Magic has worked her magic. A heroic pet is one that "has significantly improved or saved a life." The AARP's Top 10 finalists for the Heroic Pet title included eight dogs and a cat; Magic was the only horse. She will be featured in the 2010 May/June edition of AARP's The Magazine. Magic interacts with a patient. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses are a team of 20 tiny horses that work with children and adults inside hospitals, assisted care programs, group homes and with patients in hospice care. They also work with adults and children with disabilities and at-risk and abused children. From cheering up young cancer patients to building bridges with Alzheimer patients, this team of special horses visited more than 4,000 adults and children in 2009. The therapy horses are able to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators, walk on unusual floor surfaces, and move around hospital equipment. They remain calm in unusual and challenging situations (and, yes, they're housebroken). In September 2009, a newspaper photographer documented a unique interaction between Magic and a patient who had not spoken since she arrived at an assisted care facility three years earlier. The woman spoke to Magic; "Isn't she beautiful" were her first words, followed by, "It's a horse." Before Magic left the woman asked, "Will she come back again?" She has continued to talk since that visit with Magic. This story and others will be featured in a documentary being made about Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charity.

Miniature Horse Named Most Heroic Pet by AARP Magic the Mini works as a therapy horse in hospitals, hospice programs, and assisted-living facilities. By Leslie Potter March 31, 2010   Magic the Miniature Horse has been named the "Most Heroic Pet" in an AARP-sponsored contest. Photo courtesy Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses A Miniature Horse in Florida has been recognized for her ability to work miracles for patients in hospitals, hospices and other facilities. Magic is a four-year-old mare with distinctive blue eyes. With her owner, Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, she visits young cancer patients, elderly hospice residents, abused children and others as part of Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses. Magic, like many of Gentle Carousel's horses, was born into the program and began her therapy horse training as a baby. As part of her job duties, she must handle walking up stairs, riding in elevators, and remain calm around wheelchairs and other hospital equipment. Her primary duty is to quietly accept love and affection from the people she visits. In 2009, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Magazine launched its "Most Heroic Pet Contest." Magic was the only horse selected as a top ten finalist among a field of eight dogs and one cat. AARP Magazine readers were invited to vote for the overall winner in early February, and Magic came out on top. Photo courtesy Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses Though her list of accomplishments is already long, one story in particular brought Magic the winning votes. During a program at an assisted-living facility, Magic visited Kathleen Loper, patient who hadn't spoken since arriving at the facility three years earlier. Upon seeing Magic, Loper said, "Isn't she beautiful." She has reportedly been conversing with staff at the facility ever since. "They're the bridge," says Ann Marie Malave, Regional Acitivty Coordinator and Community Liaison for the facility. "They connect to our residents with maybe a memory, a feeling, something that they've done in their lives. It's just such an experience. There are no words to describe it." Learn more about Magic and Gentle Carousel at www.horse-therapy.org

Little Girls and Ponies   ‎     ...Looking just like living My Little Pony toys, Rainbow, 3, Peanut, 2, and their other mini horse friends do their best to provide happiness to children in need. Unlike Guinness Book of Record holding horse, Thumbelina - who at 17-inches suffers from dwarfism - Debbie and George's mini horses are fully grown.

Believe In Magic A miniature therapy horse — the winner of our Most Heroic Pet Contest — inspires the world. by: Cate Lineberry | from: AARP The Magazine     When Magic visits, "children don't think about being sick," says handler Jorge Garcia-Bengochea. — Jennifer Anfinsen     Back in September 2009, we launched a search to find America's most heroic pet. The winner  — a miniature, blue-eyed therapy horse named Magic — had inspired Kathleen Loper, an assisted living resident, to speak for the first time since arriving at the center three years before. "Isn't she beautiful?" Loper asked. The staff at the assisted living center watched in amazement as Loper continued to talk. "The connection she had with Magic was magical," said Ann Marie Malave, a coordinator at the center. A local reporter and photographer covering a story about therapy horses documented the event. Before Magic left that day, Loper asked, "Will she come back again?" She’s been talking ever since. Four-year-old Magic continues to transform lives in north Florida. She visits hospitals and hospice programs; makes appearances at libraries and schools as part of a literacy program named in her honor; and helps police with community outreach programs in crime-ridden neighborhoods. But since winning our contest, she’s gained a new level of fame. Newspapers and websites from around the world — including Pakistan, Thailand and Latvia — have written articles about her, and she stars as the main character in a children’s book that will be published in October. Proceeds will help support at-risk readers in early childhood literacy programs and a nonprofit school for children with autism. "She now gets hundreds of e-mails from children who want to see her," said Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, one of Magic’s handlers. "For many, it’s their final wish." Debbie and her husband, Jorge, founded and run the nonprofit Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses and visit as many people in need as they can. It’s a second career for both of them; she was a school principal, he worked in real estate. After adopting three young boys with a history of trauma, the couple, now in their fifties, looked to therapy animals for help. "We started with a regular-size horse and quickly learned that a larger, more powerful horse can seem daunting to a young child, an elderly person or someone with a disability," said Debbie. "When I saw my first miniature horse, I knew we could do something different." Like their other 27 miniature therapy horses, Magic is housebroken and has been trained to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators and stay calm around loud and unexpected noises. But the Garcia-Bengocheas say there is something special about Magic. She was with a patient as he awoke from a coma and with another who peacefully passed away with his hand resting on her head. She recently spent time with a boy who had just learned his cancer had returned and a woman who hadn’t been out of her room in months. "Magic will meet everyone but then really want to spend time with a certain person," Jorge said. "She always seems to find the person who needs her the most."

Magic and Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses Talk    to Equine VIP

Equine VIP visited with Magic and Debbie Garcia-Benogochea (education director) at Gentle Carousel.  Magic is a very special mini with a big heart.  Magic was chosen as the Most Heroic Pet in America by AARP Magazine.  We’ve heard of therapy dogs, but Magic is a specially trained therapy horse owned by Gentle Carousel.  Over 4000 adults and children are visited by Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses each year. To learn more about this special horse and program read our feature in Horse Digest Magazine. Horse Digest and Gentle Carousel feature          Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse Visits

 

United Kingdom   She hadn't spoken for three-years. Then in came Magic   An elderly woman had not said a word at the Florida assisted-care facility where she had lived for three years. Then, in walked Magic. The miniature horse who carries out therapy work lit a spark in the woman.   While a reporter was taking photos of a therapy horse visit, the woman began talking to Magic. "Isn't she beautiful," were her first words. "It's a horse."   Hampton Manor's activities director Linda McSorley began to cry and told the woman she loved her. "I love you too," she answered - her first full sentence to another person in the time she had been there.   Before Magic left, the woman asked, "Will she come back again?" Six months after Magic's first visit and she is still talking.   The little pony's ability to weave magic, as part of the Gentle Carousel therapy horse programme, has won her the title of "Most Heroic Pet  in America" in a vote organized by the  AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) magazine.  AARP is the world's largest circulation magazine with over 25 million subscribers.   Magic was selected from 10 finalists to take the title.   The little blue-eyed horse works with adults and children inside hospitals, hospice programmes, and assisted-living facilities. She also works with abused children and children with disabilities. Magic can walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators and moves around hospital equipment. Magic is also housebroken.

 

Do You Believe in Magic? What is magic? Is it a sleight of hand card trick? Is it a spell cast upon a character in your favorite cartoon? Magic means different things to different people. In High Springs, Florida, Magic comes in the form of a jet black, blue-eyed miniature horse recently named the Most Heroic Pet in America by the American Association of Retired People (AARP). Whether you are two or 102, this Magic is something we all can believe in. Magic is part of the team of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy horses that visit children and adults in hospitals, hospices and at their homes in the northern Florida area. The horses will also travel further for Make-A-Wish requests. Owned and operated by Debbie and Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Gentle Carousel has been transforming the lives of all they visit. Debbie and Jorge originally got involved with horse therapy as a way to work with their foster and adopted children. What started out as therapy on a personal level has turned into the Gentle Carousel program of today. As word spread of their work with at risk and abused children the requests for visits began to rise. This interest in a horse therapy program is what spurred the official creation of Gentle Carousel Inc, in 2001. Today Gentle Carousel features 26 miniature horses in its non-profit, volunteer-based program. There are no paid staff positions at Gentle Carousel; everything from photography to serving on the Board of Directors is done on a volunteer basis. But when you see the smiles on the faces of children and adults who receive therapy visits, who needs a paid position? Unlike other horse therapy organizations where participants go to a destination to ride the horses, Gentle Carousel brings horses to people. But that’s not the only difference; all of the horses in the Gentle Carousel program are under 30” tall, with many around 27” at maturity. According to Debbie, “All our horses must have two blue eyes and the more dramatic their markings or color the better.” As you can imagine finding just the right horses to be part of the therapy program is no easy task. Aside from being breathtaking in a small package, small size is very important when it comes to visits. The therapy horses must be able to navigate around medical equipment in patients’ rooms and along the hallways of hospitals and hospices. They must also be able to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators, walk on different surfaces from carpet to tile and ignore distracting sights and sounds. Becoming a therapy horse is hard work! In order to get potential therapy horses prepared for anything that might come their way, Gentle Carousel starts the training process early on. Debbie explains, “We breed a few horses at home and also work with local breeders, so it makes it easier to start ‘imprinting’ at birth.” Imprinting is a way to desensitize the foal to human interaction from the beginning. As soon as the foal is born a handler touches him/her all over and begins introducing them to strange sights and sounds. She continues, “We want the foal to experience sensations he/she will experience as a therapy horse and accept it at an early age before fight or flight instinct takes in.” This intensive training program typically takes two years. However, it’s important to remember even though the process starts at birth, learning never truly ends. There is always something new to expose the horses to. Once the training ends, the visits begin for Gentle Carousel horses. In 2009, Debbie and Jorge were able to bring the Gentle Carousel experience to over 4,000 individuals. According to Debbie, “Every visit is different, but they all bring a little magic into someone’s life.” The visits can be modified to meet the needs of the visit participants. However, no matter what the visit is like the main goal is always to cheer people up and give them hope. Prior to arriving for a visit to children, Gentle Carousel volunteers always read a special poem about “Magic Horses” written by Debbie. The poem talks about magic horses that have blue eyes and are sprinkled with fairy dust. “All of our therapy horses have blue eyes and we make sure they have ‘fairy dust’ sprinkles for each visit,” explains Debbie. Whether it’s fairy dust or a costume, the horses aren’t opposed to dressing up if it will make a child’s day. Recently a little girl in hospice requested the Gentle Carousel horses join her and her friends for a tea party. Outfitted in tuxes handmade by volunteers, the horses joined the sick girl and her friends and cousins, ages three to six, who were sporting magnificent princess dresses for a tea party of a lifetime. For some a visit by Gentle Carousel can be the highlight of their lives. This was the case for a six year old boy who had spent his entire life going from hospital to hospital. When the horses came to visit him, he spent the entire time hugging them and laughing. With tears in her eyes and a smile on her face his mother said, “He’s never had a happy day before today.” Many of the children who get a visit from Gentle Carousel horses have never touched a horse before. However, their small size and winning personalities make it so no one is afraid of them. When a child’s visit comes to an end volunteers leave stuffed horses and coloring books as souvenirs to keep the magic alive. Visits at assisted living facilities are just as magical. Seniors who had horses as part of their childhoods are reunited with these amazing animals allowing happy memories to be remembered. “A good day at a nursing home is when the horses come home with lipstick kiss marks all over them, in all sorts of shades,” explains Debbie. At nursing homes especially, some residents choose only to come out of their rooms on horse visit days. One such assisted care facility visit helped Magic earn her “Most Heroic Pet” title from AARP. “A woman who had not spoken since she arrived at the assisted care facility three years earlier began talking to Magic. ‘Isn’t she beautiful” were her first words and then she exclaimed ‘It’s a horse,’” recalls Debbie. “The activities director suddenly began to cry and told the woman she loved her.” Debbie continues, “’I love you too,’ the woman answered.” She has continued to talk since that magical visit. Magic has also been present when a person woke from a coma. In another touching moment, she comforted a gentleman as he passed away while petting her. With these types of visits and reactions it’s no surprise that Magic is the most requested member of the Gentle Carousel Team. Debbie adds, “Magic is requested so often that she actually has an understudy.” In addition to the hugely successful Gentle Carousel therapy program, Debbie and Jorge Garcia-Bengochea are going into the third year of their Reading is Magic program. Gentle Carousel with the help of "Magic" and friends bring tiny horses inside schools, libraries and at-risk youth programs to inspire young readers. This program takes classic children’s books and brings them to life, by having horses that look exactly like the characters in the story visit children at schools and libraries. “Once the teacher or librarian reads the book, the characters come into the room,” says Debbie. A former school principal, Debbie has a passion for ensuring that all children learn how to read. According to Debbie, “If children aren’t reading well by third grade it will be hard for them to catch up later on.” Poor readers are at increased risk for dropping out of school, substance abuse, delinquency and poverty. Debbie and her team certainly have gotten the interest of children peaked in the areas “Reading is Magic” serves. Last year the summer program had to turn kids away at a number of the events as the numbers exceed fire code regulations. You don’t generally see a summer reading program overfilling rooms. Gentle Carousel horses look like the characters out of Misty of Chincoteague, National Velvet, The Black Stallion and more. One of the horses, Sundance was featured in the book Jason and Elihu. Not only was his personality captured on the pages of the book, but at special appearances he will “sign” the book with a kiss for lucky boys and girls. There are two more easy reading books in the works that will feature Gentle Carousel horses. Once the horses leave the classroom or library, the fun doesn’t stop. Young readers are encouraged to keep up with their new horse friends through Facebook and e-mail. Each horse has its own e-mail account so the children can stay in touch. Whether it’s bringing books to life or bringing smiles to the faces of the sick or elderly, Gentle Carousel horses fill this tall order day after day. Although they are small their impact is huge on the lives of those they touch. Through a variety of touching stories the impact of these small creatures can be felt. And now you know, if you get a call from an elder relative or school age child in Florida telling you there are horses at school or in their room, there might just be. Gentle Carousel currently feeds Triple Crown Safe Starch Forage to all their miniature horses. Safe Starch Forage came recommended by Joe Camp the creator and director of Benji films and famed author of “The Soul of a Horse.” Debbie says, “For the past year we have been feeding Safe Starch Forage. All the horses are happy and their coats look fantastic.” For more information about Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses and the Reading is Magic program visit http://www.horse- therapy.org and http://www.readingismagic.org. If you've met Magic, Sundance or any of the other Gentle Carousel therapy horses, we'd love to hear all about it! Tell us your stories in the comments section below.

Words of joy, and all thanks to Magic March 20, 2010 Magic at work. Jorge Garcia-Bengochea and Magic An elderly woman had not said a word at the Florida assisted-care facility where she had lived for three years. Then, in walked Magic. The miniature horse who carries out therapy work lit a spark in the woman. While a reporter was taking photos of a therapy horse visit, the woman began talking to Magic. "Isn't she beautiful," were her first words. "It's a horse." Hampton Manor's activities director Linda McSorley began to cry and told the woman she loved her. "I love you too," she answered - her first full sentence to another person in the time she had been there. Before Magic left, the woman asked, "Will she come back again?" Six months after Magic's first visit and she is still talking. The little pony's ability to weave magic, as part of the Gentle Carousel therapy horse programme, has won her the title of "Most Heroic Pet in America" in a vote organized by the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) magazine. AARP is the world's largest circulation magazine with over 25 million subscribers. Magic was selected from 10 finalists to take the title. The little blue-eyed horse works with adults and children inside hospitals, hospice programmes, and assisted-living facilities. She also works with abused children and children with disabilities. Magic can walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators and moves around hospital equipment. Magic is also housebroken. Gentle Carousel, run by Debbie and Jorge Garcia-Bengochia, has found that Magic has been part of many little miracles and has touched hundreds of lives in north Florida area over the past few years. "She is a special friend to an eight-year-old girl who had a heart transplant and now is winning her fight with leukaemia. Magic was with someone as he woke from a coma. She was with someone who peacefully passed away with his hand resting on Magic's head."

- Photo by Jason Henry Magic The Miniature Horse Visits Assisted Living Homes And Then Some There was an Assisted Living resident in Florida who had not spoken since arriving at the facility some years ago. But that changed after she met Magic. Magic has been transforming lives with her blue eyes, fluffy mane and gentle spirit. Magic is a 4 year old black miniature therapy horse who visits patients in hospitals, Nursing Homes, Assisted living and hospice programs all over the nation. Magic tries to touch the troubled souls of sick and dying patients. Her presence makes them happy, feel lively and forget about their medical complications and the health conditions they are suffering from. Although she is one of 27 miniature therapy horses owned by the Garcia-Bengochea family, there is something extra special about Magic. She was with a patient when he awoke from a coma and with another who peacefully passed away with his hand resting on her head. She recently spent time with a boy who had just learned his cancer had returned and a woman who hadn’t been out of her room in months. “Magic will meet everyone but then really wants to spend time with a certain person,” owner and handler Jorge Bengocheas said. “She always seems to find the person who needs her most.” The Ocala Star Banner covered and published the story of Magic inspiring the Assisted Living resident to speak again and resulted in AARP using the event to name Magic as the “Most Heroic Pet in America.”   Since that time, she has gained worldwide recognition and if you can believe it, even has an understudy. News outlets in Argentina, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Latvia, Holland and Thailand have covered stories of Magic. She receives hundreds of emails from people wanting to see her, and owner and handler Debbie Garcia-Bengochea says for many, it is their last wish. Horses have a long history of providing riding therapy for disabled or at risk children. The benefits have proven to be enormous for individuals with all types of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism and mental retardation. Research shows that students that participate in therapeutic riding, experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because of the gentle rhythm of the horse’s movements, a rider who is unable to walk alone can experience a motion similar to the human gait, thereby improving abilities to be flexible, to have better balance and better muscle strength.   The advantage of the miniatures is that they are small enough to have access to smaller spaces. They can go to the patients, which opens up many possibilities for visiting. The Garcia-Bengocheas started Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses after adopting three children who they rescued from an abusive past. They started using full size horses as a means of therapy for their children, but found the sizes could be overwhelming to children and others. After discovering the gentle nature of miniatures and their less intimidating size, they embarked on what has become one of the most rewarding pet therapy endeavors thus far. Their stable of gentle minis are housebroken, trained to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators and stay calm around loud noises and unexpected movements. Star studded, Magic participates in literacy programs at schools and libraries and assists in community outreach programs in crime prone areas of their south Florida community. All one needs to do in order to make clear that Magic and her entourage have not let stardom go to the heads is watch a video of them muzzling, standing close and calm to someone in a wheelchair or gently kissing the face of a child with cancer. Who doesn’t believe in Magic?   About The Author: Gloria Ha’o Schneider is an expert in senior citizen and baby boomer issues. Her topics revolve around Assisted Living Facilities and the Elderly Healthcare industry to provide resources to families and their elderly loved ones across the nation.

See our Gentle Carousel interview at:

"Horse Talk: Interviews With Top People

Making Changes In The Horse World"

A photo of therapy horse Angel in EQUUSSOURSE magazine. 

Classifieds | Home | Calendar | Submit Ads | Submit Article Last Updated: Nov 29th, 2011 - 13:51:04

National   Holiday news for Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses By Nov 29, 2011, 13:12   Email this article Printer friendly page   Every child wants a pony for Christmas. When a real horse walks into the hospital room or bedroom of a sick child it is always magical experience but during the holidays it is even more special. Therapy horses Peanut and Cloudburst dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting children inside hospitals and in hospice care from now until Christmas. They will be joined by other tiny therapy horses (only 19 - 24 inches tall) dressed as elves and nutcracker horses. Each horse has an iPod so holiday music follows them from room to room. Known as "The Santa Ponies", they will also work with sheriff's officers reaching out to children in a high crime neighborhoods, visit children spending the holidays in homeless shelters, help with a food drive in a shopping mall and perform on stage at a concert to benefit children with cancer. The Santa Ponies are members of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. The team of 26 therapy horses visit over 10,000 adults and children each year. www.Horse-Therapy.org

                                                                              Photo of Magic from Our Town Publications. 

Magic in the Horse and Pony News magazine.

Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.

Your donations are tax deductible.

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." ~Winston Churchill

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