Mini horses help calm nervous travelers at airport

More and more airports around the country are hiring therapy dogs to help passengers with flight anxiety. And for those whose worries can’t be assuaged by a dog, one airport is bringing in something bigger.

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport just introduced two therapy miniature horses to help calm down passengers before they fly.

Twice a month, Denver and Ruby — two therapy horses from Seven Oaks Farm in southwest Ohio — stand emotional guard at the ticketing area of the Cincinnati airport. Passengers who are feeling nervous pre-flight can spend time with the two mini therapy horses before passing through security.

Last year, the horses worked at the airport in disguise as “therapy unicorns,” with manes dyed vibrant shades of pink. (They were ahead of the trend.)

When the horses are not calming passengers at Cincinnati airport, they provide emotional support at nursing homes, hospitals and community events.