BUFFALO, NY – Doctors are always trying to think outside of the box when it comes to healthcare and treatments.

HighPointe on Michigan adopted equine therapy to lift the spirits of its patients.

The Happy Horse Program features visits by mini-horses to healthcare facilities.

On Friday, patients at the nursing home welcomed the company of Clinton and Lilly.

The Centers for Healthcare mini-horses are larger than ponies, but smaller than horses.

"It relieves stress and has a proven effect on decreased depression, releases endorphins and just overall great for residents,” said Lori Nowaldy, Director of Leisure Activities.

Clinton and Lilly have been making the rounds at several healthcare facilities in Western New York.

Both are trained therapy animals.

"It’s wonderful to see the effect,” said Dr. Sheri L. Wagner of UB-MD Pediatrics. “Everybody stops what they're doing and visits the animals, and the kids love them.”