HORSE SENSE. He is not guided or forced to enter any specific hospital room. Instead, he walks freely down the hallways and decides on his own who needs him most.

In France, a 15-year-old stallion named Peyo regularly visits the Techer Hospital in Calais to bring comfort and peace to terminally ill patients.

His presence has transformed the atmosphere of the palliative care unit, offering a unique form of support to people who are facing the end of their lives.

Therapy Animal

Peyo is not an ordinary therapy animal. He was originally trained as a show horse, competing in events where discipline and precision were required.

However, his handler, Hassen Bouchakour, noticed that the horse had a very peculiar behavioural trait.

The horse born to be a nurse

Whenever they were around large crowds or vulnerable people, Peyo would consistently seek out individuals who were sick, elderly, or emotionally distressed.

Recognizing this rare gift, Bouchakour decided to retire Peyo from traditional horse shows and focus on human relationship work instead.

Horse trained

Before every hospital visit, strict hygiene protocols are followed. Peyo is meticulously washed, groomed, and disinfected from head to hoof to ensure he carries no bacteria or germs into the medical facility.

He also wears special covers over his hooves to maintain cleanliness and reduce noise on the smooth hospital floor tiles.

Once the preparations are complete, Peyo enters the building alongside his handler and walks down the quiet corridors.

When Peyo senses a connection with someone behind a door, he stops and lifts his hoof to tap gently on the wood outside.

Neigh Neigh!

This clear signal lets the staff and his handler know that he wishes to step inside and spend time with that patient.

Inside the rooms, the stallion exhibits an unbelievable level of gentleness. He leans his head over the beds, allows patients to stroke his neck, and rests quietly beside them for hours.

Medical professionals at the hospital have observed visible physical changes in the patients during these visits.

Horse healthcare

People who suffer from severe pain or anxiety often show lower heart rates, calmer breathing, and an immediate drop in stress levels when Peyo is nearby.

During one memorable afternoon visit, Hassen Bouchakour stood beside a bed as Peyo leaned softly against a frail woman who had not spoken for days.

The woman slowly opened her eyes, smiled, and reached out to touch the horse’s muzzle.

‘He knows exactly who needs his presence, and he never makes a mistake,’ Bouchakour said quietly as he watched the peaceful interaction.

‘Peyo chooses them with his heart.’

THE SOUL MATES Prophet Michael Walsh encourages you to closely analyse your own life and relationships. Find out more by clicking the picture.

These moments bring a profound sense of serenity to patients, family members, and hospital staff alike.

The quiet bond shared between the giant animal and the fragile human beings creates an environment filled with dignity and grace.

Through his quiet presence, Peyo offers a reminder that comfort and connection can come from the most unexpected places.

Beyond medical treatments, his gentle nature touches the human spirit, providing a quiet bridge of peace and love during life’s final journey.  Truly, he is an angel with four feet.

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