Based in Bath Township, Victory Gallop is a dream come true for its founders, Sue Miller and Kim Gustely, who created the award-winning, nurturing environment for children nine years ago. The Victory Gallop program is carefully designed to help children increase their self-esteem, strengthen their physical fitness and improve their socialization and communication skills. With individualized instruction, these children æ and their families æ benefit in a myriad of ways as they immerse themselves into all areas of horsemanship.

Perhaps the most visible aspect of the Victory Gallop program is Pistol Petie, the 13-year-old pony who twice monthly pays a visit to Akron Children's Hospital, helping sick children forget for awhile just how sick they are. Petie the only pony in the country to visit children in any hospital was recently featured in People magazine and on the syndicated television series, "Inside Edition."

Before he can enter the sterile hospital environment, Petie undergoes an extensive cleaning process. "He gets a bath with regular horse shampoo, then he gets a surgical scrub and is rinsed in a conditioner and Listerine. His feet are individually scrubbed and wrapped and then he's towel dried," explains Sue Miller.

The process pays off when Petie arrives at Akron Childrens Hospital. "When Petie goes to the hospital, his being there and reaching the kids just makes their day a little brighter," Miller adds. "It makes them not so sick for a little while."

Join host Jody Miller, NewsNight Akron panelist and senior associate editor of the West Side Leader, as she visits the Victory Gallop program on the farm and accompanies Petie on his rounds at the hospital.

 

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