A miniature horse named "Little Man" helped entertain senior adults attending the Dierksen Hospice Senior Fun Day on Thursday at Spring Lake Park.
"He's been acting as a therapy pony. He goes and visits residents at nursing homes. He loves people," said Little Man's owner Terry Nettles. The 9-year-old horse was rescued from an auction in Kaufman, Texas
Nettles and her husband Johnnie were volunteering at Senior Fun Day. Little Man hung out in the shade and ate grass until it was time to visit with someone.
The Dierksen Hospice Senior Fun Day started several years ago in honor of late Dierksen Employee Sharon Siefert.
During "Fun Day," staff of local long-term senior centers compete in games including volleyball. There are also games for residents, information booths and a photo booth with a 1960s theme.
The event was from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include fishing, games, live entertainment and a free lunch.
Thursday's sunshine and breeze made the weather perfect for a day at the park, said Annette Mugno, administrator for Dierksen's Texas-side office.
"We have had facilities from both sides of the state line and some that came all the way from Nashville and Dierks Ark.," Mugno said.
About 1,000 people attended the event in 2017 and organizers prepared for 1200 this year, Mugno said.
Dianne Kattner, a resident of Oaklawn Estates, enjoyed visiting with "Little Man."
"I love animals," she said. She also asked a friend to take her photo with the horse.
Kattner said she used to live with friends until they developed their own health issues.
"I didn't want to be a burden," she said.
Now a resident of Oaklawn Estates, she said she enjoys getting out for special activities like Senior Fun Day.
Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads the nation's observance of Older Americans Month.
The 2018 theme was Engage at Every Age.