Oscar

“Oscar may be small in stature, but he has a heart to rival Secretariat! He is one of four horses who make up Jacob’s Lighthouse Inc. a non-profit that uses equine-assisted therapy to spread hope and joy through the healing power of horses. Oscar divides his time between visiting assisted-living facilities, school, and daycare programs and taking care of his human mom and handler (myself) a recent breast cancer survivor. Oscar started his journey as a therapy horse at 7 months old (he will be 4 in June 2020). His quiet nature lends itself well to working with those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility loss. He loves to have his long mane and tail brushed to help the residents with their mobility. Oscar impacted one resident so greatly that when she was in the hospital after a bad fall and having a hard time remembering who she was, her daughter mentioned Oscar and Oliver (our other mini) and she came out of herself and asked when they were coming to visit! Oscar also loves to spend time with children, reading stories and showing them how to be fit like a horse—walking, trotting, and cantering. He has touched many lives in his short lifespan including my own. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, he was always there for me, offering kisses and snuggles when I needed it most and being his goofy self when I needed a smile!” —Kerri Z.