Basketball Champ Amos The Wonder Horse

Thirteen year-old Amos the Wonder Horse is so named because he can shoot hoops, play the xylophone, solve puzzles, shake hands and even paint.

But it’s on the court where the miniature horse comes into his own as an equine basketball player.

Owner Shelly Mizrahi found the tiny steed two years ago after responding to an advertisement on Craigslist.

The former zoo director spent a year looking for a horse she could train to host children’s parties and soon discovered Amos was a natural at the sport.

After training sessions and events, Shelly treats the small stallion to a Starbucks caramel coffee or Coca-Cola Slurpee – but most of the time he is rewarded with apples and peppermints.

Now, the Wonder Horse visits schools with players of The Harlem Globetrotters to promote their anti-bullying campaign.

Most recently Amos visited a boy who was paralysed in a car accident and confined to a hospital bed.

A huge basketball fan, the boy was thrilled to have Amos appear at his bedside and bring him a special Harlem Globetrotters autographed basketball.

Shelly said: "He put his head right up to the child’s bed and stood with him. And that was the most inspiring moment I’ve had with Amos.

“We just want to bring smiles to as many people as we can, wherever we go.”