Therapy pony visits Texas Children's Hospital families

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Texas Children's Hospital families got to spend quality time with an adorable pony earlier this week.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show's therapy pony visited families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, and children had the opportunity to pet and walk with the animals.

Rocky, the 23-year-old therapy pony who visited the families, has been involved in therapy work since he was six.

"It gives the children a chance to relax and not think so much about their medical treatment," therapy pony owner Kay O'Conner said of the event.

Now in its 72nd year, the Pin Oak Charity Horse show kicked off on March 22 and runs until April 2. The organization produces a number of events that are free and open to the public, including an Olympic-caliber jumping competition, a Ladies' Hatter Derby and an art outreach program. Event information is available on the Pin Oak website.

To date, the organization has contributed nearly $7 million to Texas Children's Hospital and other charitable pediatric health organizations.