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트라우마 환자들에게 고통을 덜어주는 작은 말들 Adorable Miniature Horses Provide Therapeutic Benefits for People in Need

Adorable Miniature Horses Provide Therapeutic Benefits for People in Need

트라우마 등 정신적인 고통 않은 환자들에게 미니어처 말은 어떤 의미일까?

동물은 트라우마로 고통받는 사람들에게 매욱 강한 차료 효과가 있다고 한다.

강아지는 잘 알려져 있는 반려동물이지만 우리 생각에 전혀 관계없을 것 같은 동물이 있다.

바로 말이다.

살아있는 말은 가만히 있지 않으니 미니어처로 만들어 환자들에게 적용해 아주 좋은 결과를 얻고 있다.

비영리 봉사기관인 20년된 'Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses'는 25마리의 작은 미니어처 말로 병원을 방문하여 특히 정신적인 고통을 받는 환자들에게 마음의 위안을 주고 있다.

그들은 2013년도 발생한 오클라호마 토네이도 희생자들과 샌드후크 초등학교 총기난사사건 등 많은 사람들에게 미니어처 말 뿐 아니라 간호와 호스피스의 도움을 주고 있다.

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By Sara Barnes

Animals can offer a powerful form of therapy for those who have suffered a traumatic experience. Dogs are common companions, but there’s also a lesser-known creature who makes a big impact—miniature horses. They’re tiny equines at just two-and-a-half feet tall, and they’re known for having a calm demeanor. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is a non-profit organization who works with 25 of these adorable animals, and over the past 20 years, they’ve helped thousands of people, including: survivors of the Sandy Hook shooting, victims of the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes, as well as those in nursing homes and hospices.

The creatures’ small stature is a big part of their charm and ultimate success in providing therapy to those in need of a pick-me-up. "While a large horse can be intimidating to a small child or a fragile senior, the miniature horses were easier for them to trust and befriend," Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, co-founder of Gentle Carousel, told The Huffington Post.

One of the organization’s stars is named Magic, an all-black horse with a white spot on its snout. She was recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 10 heroic animals in history. Their reason for including her on the list stems from the instant, powerful connection people have felt with the horse. In one heartwarming instance, Magic was visiting a patient living in an assisted-living facility who hadn’t spoken to anyone during her three years there. As soon as the woman saw Magic, however, that all changed. Without missing a beat, she said, “Isn’t she beautiful?” This moment was deeply affecting for all involved, and the activities director was so surprised to hear the woman speak that she began to cry.

Gentle Carousel is headquartered in Florida, but has expanded across the world. They have bases in New York, California, and Greece, where each is run entirely by volunteers.