If you were on the pediatric ward of a prominent New York City hospital recently, you may have seen young patients cheered by a goodwill ambassador. No two-legged varieties here — this guy was a furry 32 inches tall with four legs and a tail. A therapy dog? Guess again.

This little hero was a miniature horse. But don’t be too surprised. Tiny horses have been providing emotional therapy for a while now. From victims of the Sandy Hook shooting to those who survived tornadoes in Oklahoma , mini-equines have comforted many downhearted folks.

It’s really not a stretch. After all, horses are herd animals attuned to the needs of those around them, including emotional ones. They also symbolize the joy of nature and inspire children to heal and rejoin the world.

For children who’ve been through so much, miniature horses may be just what the doctor ordered.