Miniature horses are now being recognized legally at federal and local levels with some states voting to add them to the list of service animals that can accompany people with disabilities.
Miniature horse helping owner navigate an airport
While man’s best friend – canine caregivers – make wonderful service animals, mini horses offer an alternative and have a longer lifespan than dogs.
While man’s best friend – canine caregivers – make wonderful service animals, mini horses offer an alternative in situations where guide dogs can’t be used, such as for those with severe allergies, or fear of dogs. Mini horses also have a longer lifespan than dogs.
For a young boy diagnosed with a progressive genetic disorder, the recognition of miniature horses as service animals comes at a most opportune time.
Zoe, a miniature horse is being taught to help four-year-old Zaiden Beattie, who suffers from a rare progressive genetic disorder. Zaiden was just two-and-a-half years old when he was diagnosed with Ataxia-Talengiectasia, a very rare progressive and genetic disorder.
"This genetic disorder affects his co-ordination and balance and he's expected to be in a wheelchair by the age of 11 and will most likely lose his ability to speak and write and communicate very well. But, intellectually, he'll be there 100 per cent," according to his mother, Lesley Zacharias.
Zoe will eventually be able to pull Zaiden's wheelchair and because her life expectancy is about 35 years, much longer than that of a dog, she will be able to spend more time with him.
Zoe is now accompanying Zaiden to Russian Jack Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska, where she has become a very popular addition to the classroom.