Bay Area teens find comfort and calm with miniature horses at local rescue

At Angels for Minis, a rescue ranch in Walnut Creek, miniature horses and donkeys are helping Bay Area teenagers open up about their feelings, CBS News Bay Area reported. The animals’ small size makes them less intimidating and easier for teens to connect with, according to a volunteer at the ranch.

One teenager, Ellie Ghorban, began visiting the ranch at age eight, finding comfort in bonding with a timid miniature horse named Owen. Over time, her interactions with Owen helped her become more relaxed and calm.

A recent study by UC Davis found that spending just three minutes with a miniature horse or donkey can make teenagers feel happier, calmer, and less lonely. The study’s co-author noted that meaningful emotional connections can happen quickly and that the animals’ enjoyment of the interaction enhances the benefits.

The research also showed that when teens scratched the animals in ways the animals preferred, the positive effects were even stronger. This suggests that the quality of interaction matters for both the teens and the animals’ well-being.