The pet I’ll never forget: the tiny horse with a big personality – who helps psychiatric patients

Black Pearl is a therapy animal, who works with military veterans. This sweet show-off has completely changed my life

I trained and competed in dressage for many years and after I retired, I decided to buy a miniature horse for company at home in southern California. I bought Black Pearl from Quicksilver Ranch in Solvang, California, in 2008, when she was six months old. She was a fluffy little thing and would run around at warp speed, then run back to snuggle. She stole my heart from the beginning. I had no idea that Black Pearl would inspire me to change my whole focus in life.

I started training her for fun and began to teach her tricks. She learned quickly. I thought of a great way to give back to the community – Black Pearl and I could find ways to help people. I started to wonder where I could visit with my little horse.