SMART's mini horses provide therapy to the community

The moment Central Park's Ellie and Jim Wenzke heard Sarasota Manatee Association Riding Therapy was going to have mini horses, they knew they had to be there to welcome them. 

And once they saw Penelope and Rocky walk off the trailer at SMART in October, they decided to help take care of them as well.

Since then, Ellie and Jim Wenzke have been at SMART six days per week to walk Penelope and Rocky and train them to calmly be around groups of people.

Rebecca Blitz, the executive director of SMART, said the mini horses program is a new way to provide community outreach. 

SMART received the mini horses from Brian Verble of Monarch Miniature Horses.

Rather than organizations having to go to SMART's property in east Bradenton, SMART staff members, including volunteers such as Ellie and Jim Wenzke, can travel with the mini horses to local organizations and businesses to provide therapeutic services. 

Photo by Liz Ramos

As a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Premier Accredited Center, SMART has received the qualifications needed to provide therapeutic services in the community. 

Blitz said the nonprofit had received requests from organizations wanting to host SMART horses, but the horses' size created difficulty in terms of being in public settings. The mini horses can go into the community with ease. 

"These minis have brought such hope, strength and joy," Blitz said. 

Blitz and Ilee Finocchiaro, a certified therapeutic riding instructor for SMART, said more people are receptive to the mini horses compared to the other horses at SMART because of their size. 

"Because of their intelligence and their personalities, it's very similar to a larger horse," Finocchiaro said. "It's just not as intimidating. They're just as willing to serve the kids and adults."

The mini horses program gives SMART an opportunity to help as many people as possible, Finocchiaro said. 

Blitz said Penelope and Rocky are a good way to introduce people to what it's like being around horses. 

Every day, Ellie and Jim Wenzke walk Penelope and Rocky around SMART's property and help to teach them how to be gentle and work well with people. 

Jim Wenzke said Penelope is getting better at following orders. For example, when he would stop on the grass while walking Penelope, it would be difficult to get Penelope to stop eating the grass and continue walking, but now, she's a pro and starts walking as soon as Jim Wenzke says, "Let's get moving."

Ellie Wenzke calls Rocky, who turned 1 April 16, a firecracker. 

Finocchiaro said Rocky is spicy and inquisitive. He wants to get close to people and get to know them. 

The Wenzkes take Penelope and Rocky through the offices at SMART to get them adjusted to being indoors so they are prepared when they visit various organizations. 

Blitz said the nonprofit can take the mini horses to nursing homes, retirement homes, schools, hospice care centers, adult day centers and others. 

Courtesy photo

Ellie Wenzke said the mini horses aren't skittish and have adjusted well to being around large groups of people.

Penelope and Rocky already have been to Loveland Center, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with special needs, in Venice. 

"The way (people) responded, the smiles and the excitement was good for them emotionally," Finocchiaro said. "It's helped with their physical, emotional and social wellbeing."

A group of people from the Loveland Center was at SMART April 6 to interact with Penelope and Rocky and the other horses. 

Jim Wenzke said there was a girl who was no more than 5 years old in awe over Penelope. He said she had the biggest smile on her face and was thrilled to hold Penelope's lead rope. 

"She would not stop smiling," Jim Wenzke said. "She absolutely loved it."