I trained and competed in dressage for many years and after I retired, I decided to buy a miniature horse for company at home in southern California. I bought Black Pearl from Quicksilver Ranch in Solvang, California, in 2008, when she was six months old. She was a fluffy little thing and would run around at warp speed, then run back to snuggle. She stole my heart from the beginning. I had no idea that Black Pearl would inspire me to change my whole focus in life.
I started training her for fun and began to teach her tricks. She learned quickly. I thought of a great way to give back to the community – Black Pearl and I could find ways to help people. I started to wonder where I could visit with my little horse.
Horse sense … Black Pearl inspired Victoria to set up an animal therapy charity. Photograph: Terri Miller/Courtesy of Victoria Nodiff-Netanel
Black Pearl inspired me to start my charity, Mini Therapy Horses. If it wasn’t for her outgoing personality, I wouldn’t have attempted it. Now I run a programme with her and eight other miniature therapy horses, visiting patients in the lockdown psychiatric unit at a veterans’ hospital in Los Angeles. The vets have been through so much: they have PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and/or drug addiction and many are homeless. They can pet and hug the horses – they love them. It helps them to feel less lonely and isolated.
My little pony … Victoria and Black Pearl with a service veteran in hospital in Los Angeles, circa 2010. Photograph: Courtesy of Victoria Nodiff-Netanel
We also visit several other hospitals – many of the kids and adults are away from home for a long time and the time they spend with our minis is very comforting. If a child is visually impaired we can take their hands and help them to feel our little horses. They can brush their coats and this tactile experience makes them very happy.
Black Pearl will also walk beside a patient in a wheelchair while they hold the reins. Some patients are missing their own animals at home, so cuddling her might be just what the doctor ordered.
Hay there … a big horse greets a tiny horse resting in the boot of a car. Photograph: Courtesy of Victoria Nodiff-Netanel
Of all our miniature horses, Black Pearl is the biggest show-off. She feeds off everyone’s positive energy and loves to do her tricks. She is by far our best keyboard player – tapping and rubbing her little muzzle back and forth on the keys. She can stand and walk on her hind legs, give a high five with her hoof, smile, nod and shake her head “yes” and “no”, strut with her front legs, and much more.
Giddy up … Victoria’s therapy horses in their paddock. Photograph: Courtesy of Victoria Nodiff-Netanel
Working with Black Pearl has given me the opportunity to meet people from every walk of life. She inspired me to follow my passion, with her as a partner, in helping others. I love this little horse – she has been a blessing.
