Therapy animals encourage children to read by listening quietly and patiently as your child reads from a book. Your child can bring their favorite book to read or choose one from Bookmans Phoenix. Children ages 4-9 years old are encouraged to read to a miniature horse.

Tender Little Hearts is a local nonprofit organization offering equine-assisted therapy activities. All of the handlers and horses undergo special training and certification to make them qualified equine therapy volunteers. Tender Little Hearts therapy animals are qualified through the Miniature Equine Therapy Standards Association (METSA) and American Miniature Therapy Horse Organization (AMTHA).