My Story...As a lover of horses since I was very young, horses have always been a part of my life. My father being an Army cavalryman had that special quality and connection with horses and it definitely was passed down to me. We had parade horses and ponies that we often took to area events in central southern Illinois. I have always been comfortable around horses and feel blessed that I have been able to have the opportunity to help others. Moving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the horse and pony moved along with us. As family and business responsibilities became dominant, and the horse and pony had passed, it was not the time to reestablish my relationship with horses. Years past, kids grown, I was able to restart that relationship. I never had a miniature horse, so 10 years ago I went to central Wisconsin in my minivan (a little play on words!), to pick up a yearling miniature. We had a great trip home and being a good thing that the side windows did not open completely as he would have truly enjoyed letting the breeze run thru his mane. It was a very short time after that the opportunities came where Dixie, Curby, and Avalon soon joined my equine family. All being rescues, they have found their forever homes. Soon I began to realize their individual personalities and they told me in their own special way what they realized was their calling. With reconditioning, training, and lots of love, Dixie and Curby have become special therapy horses bringing smiles, and sometimes tears to all that they have met. It has been a great opportunity for me and my two young handlers (Carleigh and Makenzie) who have truly enjoyed and continue to enjoy the challenges and satisfaction of working with horses over the years. We became registered with Pet Partners in 2015 after handler classes and "field" testing with each horse as a team. We have complimented Pet Partners, an Upper Michigan chapter, with being the first equines in the Upper Peninsula as registered complex environment therapy teams. The mini's are often requested for visits through Pet Partners from hospitals, camps, schools, rehab facilities, children's festivals and private venues.
What we do... Our teams assist, support and compliment events and visits at their venue through the interactions of the horse and handler. It is through this interaction that brings joy, peace, and therapeutic benefits to those in need. This is our mission. Making our time and the time spent with others treasured.
"there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man"
Winston Churchill
