Thera-Pony visits BOCES extended school year program

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Provided photo: Lisa Smith shows Benny Butcher of Newfane, being help by Michelle Kulbago and Isaiah Grose of Albion how to put bows in the pony’s mane and tail.

MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES Coordinator Michelle Kulbago and her extended school year staff were thrilled when Lisa Smith of Thera-Pony brought her beloved pets to the Orleans Learning Center for the day.

Lisa Smith says she first got interested in working with ponies for therapeutic benefits when she used to work for Equistar. She just loved how these interactions between humans and ponies brought so many benefits to their cognitive, emotional, social and behavioral skills.

“I decided to start Thera-Pony Inc. because it allows kids to get up close and personal with them,” she said. “I love seeing children interact with them and it helps a lot of them to come out of their shell.”

Smith brings brushes and bows for the students to put in the ponies’ manes and tails.

“I really enjoy seeing the kids smiling and interacting with the ponies,” she said. “Many of them have never engaged with pets before and it was great to see them walk up to them, pet them and give them treats. My ponies just love all the attention!”

Kulbago says she wants to thank Smith for spending the day with the students and giving them such an exciting opportunity.

“I have to also thank my kindergarten teacher Melanie Noel, teacher aide Hailey Wilkins and counselor Amanda LaBernardo who gave a lot of energy and care to the youngsters and helped to make this visit run so smoothly,” Kulbago said.