Mini Horses, Big Mission: Bringing Comfort, Joy, and Healing to Veterans

At the West LA VA Medical Center, these miniature therapy horses brighten everyone’s Monday with soft nuzzles, fun tricks and impressive piano performances.  

Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, Founder and President of the nonprofit Mini Therapy Horses, has been volunteering at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) for over 18 years, providing equine assisted therapy to Veterans. 

 “I wanted to help Veterans. My father was a Veteran, and I thought that’s where I should start this program, and it’s just been wonderful,” said Nodiff-Netanel. 

Mini Therapy Horses is now a nationally recognized program that has nine miniature horses. In addition to VAGLAHS, Victoria and her mini horses also visit Cedars-Sinai, Shriners, UCLA hospitals, and work with the LA City Fire Department, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Crisis Response Team and the LA Sheriff’s Department.

“We are extremely lucky to have her,” said Sether Hills-Johnson, Certified Recreation Therapist at VAGLAHS. “She’s just amazing. She has this energy that no matter what’s going on or how things appear, she’s confident. She’s strong, and she’s very in tune to the human spirit.”

Hills-Johnson works closely with Nodiff-Netanel and her volunteer, Cheryl Perry, accompanying them throughout the hospital, where both Veterans and employees eagerly anticipate their visits.

Their arrival not only brightens the day for many throughout the hospital but also reflects growing research supporting the powerful benefits of equine-assisted therapy for Veterans, especially those living with PTSD.

According to the 2021 study, “Equine-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Military Veterans,” more than half of the Veterans (50.8%) showed a clinically significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms, suggesting that this approach is potentially safe, feasible, and clinically effective. The study also reported a low attrition rate compared to other treatments, with only 7.9% of participants discontinuing therapy.

“It's truly remarkable to witness the transformation in Veterans when they interact with Victoria and her mini horses,” said Hills-Johnson. “Veterans are often grappling with pain, sadness and loneliness, especially if they haven’t received visitors. They may also be experiencing anger and fatigue. But the moment they connect with a mini horse, their pain lessens, and their mood becomes noticeably happier.”

Inspired by the incredible work of Victoria and her mini horses? Contact the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 310-268-4350 to learn more about how you can volunteer and make a difference in the lives of Veterans, or visit https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/.