About Romeo Roadshow
Beginnings
Romeo was rescued after his previous owner passed away. After a great deal of TLC and training, it became clear that he was a very special little horse who delighted his handlers with his ever-growing affectionate and caring nature. It was literally impossible to be in a bad mood around Romeo…his sweetness was contagious, and he could put a smile on anyone’s face!
The Romeo Van
It was decided that Romeo needed appropriate transportation so that he could go anywhere and interact with people who could benefit from his magical presence. Thus, the “Romeo Van” was designed and built so that he could travel wherever a car could go and not be limited to the space restrictions of a truck and horse trailer. With this new mobility, the name “Romeo Roadshow” was born.
The Painted Turtle
His first trips in the van included going to the beach where everyone who met him was ecstatic about encountering the handsome and friendly little horse. He then attended a Holiday Party at The Painted Turtle – a camp for kids with serious medical conditions. At three feet tall, Romeo was the perfect size to interact with individuals in wheelchairs. He would gently reach his head into their laps so that they could pet him.
A New Friend
Next, he was a special guest at a charity event in Hollywood for the Lollipop Theater Network - an organization that works with critically ill children to improve their lives and build self-confidence. Through these outings, momentum and support were generated, leading to the decision to find a friend for Romeo that could help him with his growing mission to spread love and joy to those in need. “Ziggy” another miniature horse with an ideal temperament for therapy work, was soon adopted. He quickly acclimated to traveling in the Romeo Van with his new friend and enthusiastically participating in Romeo Roadshow outings.
Seniors
Beginning in the summer of 2024, both horses began participating in regular visits at Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks - a non-profit organization that offers daycare and other supportive services for the health and well-being of seniors. They also visited victims of the Eaton Fire at the American Red Cross shelter in Pasadena this year.