Matix is a very special little boy that received some particularly special gifts on his third birthday: two mini horses. Their names are Bert and Ernie, and they were given to Matix by his grandmother, Frankie Eklund, for a very specific purpose. Matix was born with a condition called thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome (TARS).

This condition affects his arms, legs, and platelets. His blood isn’t able to clot if he falls, and since he doesn’t have full-length arms, he can’t catch himself. Matix’s family thought, in order to help him perform day-to-day activities, that therapy animals may be the answer.

Oftentimes, you hear stories of people going out of their way to save their animal friends, much like this fireman that saved a dog from a burning house. This time, the roles are reversed. Bert and Ernie have a very important job to do for their little human friend Matix. LittleThings spoke with Matix’s grandmother about this special young boy and his incredible therapy horses.

Scroll through below for a look at this beautiful story. Do you know anyone who has used an animal for therapeutic reasons? Let us know what you think in the comments! This is such a beautiful story and hopefully, it will inspire a lot of people who are going through the same thing. God bless this beautiful young boy and this horse and may they have the most beautiful lives that they can ever have.