CARIBOU, Maine – It’s not every day that the residents of Maine Veterans Home in Caribou hear the clomping of hooves down the hall.
But that’s exactly what many heard on Veterans Day.
Freya, a nearly 20-year-old miniature horse, spent over an hour Monday morning visiting with residents in their bedrooms and in the home’s large activity room.
Hailing from East of Eden Stables in Presque Isle, Freya is only 35 inches tall and 275 pounds but the therapeutic horse makes up for her small stature with an abundance of kindness.
“She really has this special power. She knows what everyone needs, whether it’s calmness, joy or laughter,” said Emily Peers, the stable’s volunteer business manager.
Ari Davenport, one of East of Eden’s horse trainers, purchased Freya from the Bangor area two years ago. Davenport also owns two slightly larger miniature horses, both came from traumatic home environments, and are not as well built for large gatherings of people.
But Freya has proven to have a special touch with humans, having visited local schools and nursing homes, with Monday marking her first visit to Maine Veterans Home.
“You are seeing what you’re seeing,” is what Davenport often had to say, as Freya stepped in front of many bewildered but excited new friends.
Korean War U.S. Army veteran Marvin Coronti, 80, was one of over 30 residents beaming with joy while petting Freya.
“She’s really cute,” Marvin Coronti said.
Marvin’s wife Jackie Coronti smiled as Freya made her way to other greeters.
“Oh, it’s wonderful,” she said about Freya’s visit. “I think it has brightened everybody’s day.”
Ninety-year-old resident Maureen Milliard, whose late husband Wendell Milliard served in the Army during the Korean War, said that seeing Freya reminded her of her years riding horses during college.
The folks from East of Eden also passed out specialty trading cards with Freya’s picture and facts about her. Freya was such a hit with residents that her human posse is already thinking of making their trip annual.
“It was all I could do not to cry,” said Karen Page, Maine Veterans Home activity director. “To see the veterans get so emotional, it reminds you of all the little things we take for granted.”
