I bring miniature ponies into nursing homes for a living. Some residents laugh, while others cry when they see them.

Sarah Woodland started her company, Dinky Ponies, by rescuing two Miniature Shetland Ponies and finding a purpose for them after the pandemic. Initially unsure what to do with the ponies, she began offering stable management sessions and eventually moved to hosting parties for the ponies. Realizing that the ponies couldn't perform typical tasks due to their size, she experimented with taking them indoors and discovered that they could comfortably ride in elevators.

Initially, Sarah tested bringing the ponies to care homes during the pandemic, learning through trial and error that the residents loved their visits. Four years later, Dinky Ponies has grown to include seven ponies, and Sarah now travels full-time to elder care facilities, residential homes, and locations for children with special needs. The ponies' calm demeanor and ability to adapt to new environments, such as elevators, make them ideal companions for the elderly and children alike.

Despite the challenges of starting a new business without a clear blueprint, Sarah has learned from her mistakes and adapted to the needs of her clients and the ponies themselves. She emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and positive when interacting with the ponies, as they pick up on human emotions. Sarah takes great care to ensure that the ponies are treated with respect and that her visits are meaningful, allowing for quality time with residents rather than rushed encounters.

The ponies' small size and youthful appearance, despite their age, seem to captivate the elderly and children alike, creating memorable and heartwarming interactions.