Meet Munchkin, Mayo Clinic’s First Mini Therapy Horse

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, showed off an adorable addition to their therapy animal team: Munchkin the miniature horse!

Your first question probably is, “Just because Muchkin is super cute, should he really be taking a job away from a therapy dog?” Of course, his concentrated cuteness is an important factor – The real reason is to accommodate patients with dog allergies or who might be afraid of dogs.

His miniature size makes him much more convenient to bring into a patient’s room than your standard-size horse. While only just over two feet tall, Muchkin still grabs attention with his glorious white mane and silky light gray coat.

He wears a little vest to ensure humans know he’s an employee there and not a pet. He also sports little booties to ensure he doesn’t slip on the hospital tile floors. Muchkin is also a therapy thoroughbred, with his mom a therapy horse as well.

For another tiny horse with a big heart: The inspiring story of Peabody – The world’s smallest miniature horse