Shriners Children's
Southern California

Shriners Children's in Pasadena has quickly become one of our favorite outreach programs. From spending time with families while their loved ones are in surgery to being bedside comforting patients as they come out of anesthesia, our visits are always very productive and full of healing. One of our greatest honors at MTH is working alongside physical therapists during rehab sessions at Shriners. The level of trust and love the staff has for our horses and our volunteers is so humbling and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help these young patients on their road to recovery.

A young female patient in a suspension walker reaches for mini therapy horse Belle during a physical therapy session at Shriners for Children's Southern California.

One of our most treasured moments at Shriners was when we were asked by the staff if we could help comfort a patient while he was being fit for an orthopedic device for his hand. Typically, this procedure can be somewhat painful and, for some children, even traumatic. Knowing she had work to do, our sweet mini horse, Louise, snuggled right up to the patient. He placed his right hand on her mane as the staff began the painful fitting process on his left hand. During the procedure, the child stayed wholly focused on Louise, petting her soft coat and never once taking his eyes off of her. Before he knew it, the procedure was over and he was smiling and laughing. Louise’s comforting presence and kind eyes were all the distraction necessary to get him through that challenge. Sometimes watching our mini girls work feels like watching a miracle happen.

Mini Therapy Horse Belle comforts a patient awaiting treatment.

Mini Therapy Horse Belle meets with two Girl Scouts outside Shriners for Children Medical Center.

Victoria Blue Moon and the Rose Parade Queen and her royal court

Mini Therapy Horse Belle visits with a a boy in a wheelchair at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Blue Moon nose-to-nose with a girl at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

A young patient in a wheelchair at Shriners gently rests her hand on Blue Moon.

Victoria and Louise visit with a smiling patient in his hospital bed. He is joined by his parents at Shriners Children's Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Belle visits with a young girl in a stroller at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Pearl and Victoria visit with a boy in a wheelchair at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Pearl plays the keyboard for a girl in a wheelchair at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Belle visits with a double-amputee boy and his family at Shriners Children's of Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Pearl "smiles" for a patient in a wheelschair at Shriners Children's Southern California.

Mini Therapy Horse Pearl visits with a patient and his caregiver at Shriners Children's Southern California.

About Shriners Children's Southern California:

Shriners Children's Southern California provides comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative care to children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burn scars, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families' ability to pay.