"Our mini horses bring joy and healing to so many hearts!"

Retiree Terry Holmes-Stecyk up on a horse farm and has been a lifelong rider. But when she took in two miniature horses, they blazed a new trail together, visiting hospitals, memory centers and libraries to offer unconditional love and comfort

- Bill Holton

Squeals of delight rang out as Terry HolmesStecyk made her way into the Phoenix library, the clippety-clop of hooves echoing through the room. "They're here!" kids clapped.

After a career as a dental hygienist, Terry retired with her husband, Don, to a 5-acre ranch outside Scottsdale, Arizona. Terry, who grew up on a horse farm, loved roaming the Rio Verde foothills on her steed, Cowboy, and adopted a miniature donkey, Boone, to keep him company.

When Cowboy grew too old for steep trails, Terry sent him to a friend who gives riding lessons to kids. Now, it was Boone who was lonely-until Terry's friends offered her two miniature horses.

Mazy and Dolly worked wonders on Boone's spirits and soon gave Terry a new purpose.

Since retiring, Terry was always looking for new activities to fill her days. One she came to truly enjoy had been accompanying her friend Linda, who had miniature horses of her own, to the local library so kids could read to them. Having a master's degree in education, Terry had been saddened when Linda left the area, ending the program. But now, Terry had Mazy and Dolly...and an idea.

"I feel like God wants me to do this," she told Don.

"I've got a fun job for you girls," she enthused to her small, hoofed friends.

Four-legged therapy

Over the next year, Terry got Mazy and Dolly certified as service animals and established the Tender Little Hearts Foundation (TenderLittleHearts.org), an equine therapy outreach program.

Mazy and Dolly adapted quickly to their new role. They listened intently as the kids read to them, absorbed by their voices, enjoying the rubs, hugs and snuggles the children lavished on them.