BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Miniature Horses traveled to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center to give a boost to hospital patients and staff.

Therapy animals like dogs and cats have become more commonplace at businesses and large hospitals. Miniature horses are less common, but they're used for the same effect, helping emotionally.

Mini Joys Inc., a non-profit that promotes joy, hope and healing, visited Saint Alphonsus in Boise Tuesday. Two of Mini Joys' horses arrived to a crowd including patients and children at the hospital's day-care.

"They're bringing down some patients," Laurie Bell, the founder and executive director of Mini Joys Inc. said. "We're also giving a nice little stress break to the staff that's working so hard."

The small horses only grow to about 2 or 3 feet tall. Their small presence and calm nature allow people to connect, to get the moments of calm and peace that they need.

Bell noted that the experience can bring back old memories, to help put someone's mind on a happier time.

"Some of the folks haven't had a chance to be around a horse for a long time, and those of us who love horses, all your old experiences with them will flood back to you, even if you see a tiny miniature horse," Bell said.

In addition to the Saint Alphonsus visit, Mini Joys travel around the Treasure Valley and beyond, working to help those with disabilities.

"We work with a lot of kids on the autism spectrum," Bell said. "We work with at-risk kids, so we go to the WCA, some different shelter homes, work with programs that are helping at-risk kids."

Bell said spreading joy is the ultimate mission for the little horses, who have a larger-than-life impact.

For CBS2's full feature on Mini Joys,click here.

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