Petie the Pony created an amazing therapeutic service legacy during his lifetime, warming the hearts of thousands of patients at Akron Children’s Hospital since he began visiting in 1995. After his death in September at age 26, his handlers at Victory Gallop, a therapeutic riding program in Bath Township, immediately began searching for another pony which possesses the unique temperament to make bedside visits with hospitalized patients. Petie’s horseshoes are big to fill. It’s time to meet Willie Nelson!
The young riders at Victory Gallop are already in love with Willie Nelson. Toril Simon, a volunteer with Victory Gallop, is planning to come to the hospital with him. She assisted Petie for 7 years.
Willie Nelson, a 7- year-old miniature horse from Colorado, spent the winter training for his new job. He’s visited nursing homes, local pet stores and even riding the glass elevator at the hospital several times, preparing for his debut with patients this April.
Read more about the methods Victory Gallop co-directors Sue Miller and Kim Gustely have implemented to get Willie ready for his on the road adventures at Akron Children’s Hospital in this Akron Beacon Journal story published on March 17, 2018.
Willie Nelson has a kind soul and is great with children.
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