Minis and Friends

There is something magical about watching people experience the minis. This group does so much good for the community! I have volunteered with them for 3 years now, and have always experienced a deep and joyful bond with the minis, my fellow volunteers, and with the people we visit. So rewarding!

I had the pleasure of meeting several of the minis when visiting family in Austin. They are so gentle and I can see why they are so good at what they do.

Minis and Friends has been volunteering at our rehabilitation hospital for several years. I can't say enough about how much our patients and staff enjoy their visits - they are a highlight that we all look forward to! Sally and her Mini team are always on time and friendly, and have always been happy to allow patients and staff plenty of time for petting and pictures!

Being part of the Minis and Friends organization for over 6 plus years has really been awesome. Having the opportunity to go throughout the community and help make a difference in someone else's life brings a smile to my face. After each visit I can sit back and think about how my involvement has brightened up someone's day. If you are ever looking for an organization to volunteer with Minis and Friends is highly recommended.

Deborah

Mini's & Friends is a wonderful group of individuals who will bring their miniature horses, inside!, to you. They have been visiting us at Marbridge for Many years about every three months. Our residents (and staff) love it when they come!

Mini's & Friends staff are very friendly and obviously care about their horses. The horses are also very friendly, and love to be loved on. The horses are clean and have little boots on their hooves so that the floors don't get scratched (and so they don't slip). They also put clips in the horses hair and accessorize for holidays. So Cute!
Very rarely do the horses have an accident but when they do their handlers are quick to clean it up. This has happened only a few times in the many years they have been coming to visit us. I can't say enough good things about Mini's & Friends!
Cheers,
Michelle Caddel
Marbridge Villa Activities Director

Love this organization! Julia (mini mom) along with Wiggins, Junie, Pearl and BB are great with visiting our hospital and our patients love the interactions with the mini horses. Julia has such great stories, and you can tell how much she enjoys volunteering with mini's and friends!

Minis and Friends have come to our Senior Community in Austin several times throughout the past and each time is magical. The tiny horses are so sweet and friendly that you can't help but melt. Our residents love seeing them up close and enjoy petting them and taking pictures. They are very well-behaved and groomed (The Minis). Some are even sporting bows and one a tu-tu! The volunteers are very knowledgeable and personal and willing to take the time to answer everyone's questions and make sure they give each person a chance to have a little one on one time with a horse. They even took them on the different floors to visit some of the homebound people that could not make the trip downstairs for a private audience! It is truly a wonderful experience and if you are able to see them I highly recommend it. You'll go home with a smile on your face. This is a wonderful organization and they spread joy wherever they go. Keep up the good work guys! We appreciate you and your efforts to make a little bit of difference in today's world.

I have been part of minis and friend for over 10 years and have had so many top notch memories to count.

I have volunteered with Minis and Friends since the start of Q1 2007. Almost every Saturday we cleaned up our 3 minis, they jumped into our Honda Odyssey and off we went to visit with people of all ages who needed a smile, a laugh, or joy in their hearts. The little horses certainly brought Joy into my heart and made me a better person. We visited with shelters, hospitals, rehabs, and other residential non-profits and added senior facilities (Independent Living, Assisted Living Memory Care) to round out all visitation. These last few years since COVID, I've not been able to physically able to work with the MF Family on a regular basis due to health - and I have realized how much they played such a huge part in my life. I am looking forward to working again with the MF Family of volunteers and the mini-owners.

I've been working with Minis and Friends for seven years now and still love every minute! We get to visit and meet incredible people and everyone is happy when the horses are around. I can't recommend Minis and Friends enough to have visit or to volunteer for!

Minis and Friends is a unique volunteer opportunity that I was so lucky to find. Watching people light up when they meet a mini will make anyone's day. Love the mission, love the horses, love the people.

We were so lucky to meet the minis at one of the Board member's house for a visit! I know people who volunteer with them. They were not exaggerating how gentle and calming these well-trained minis are. We felt privileged to be in their presence. Keep up the good work, Minis and Friends!

Minis and Friends is an amazing group to volunteer for. They offer a class, where they'll train you, on techniques, to work with the miniature horses and clients, on actual visits throughout our community. I've been volunteering and bringing my minis to visits for over 10 years. I've witnessed miracles and countless smiles through this unique animal to human connection. The minis spread joy, love, and happiness to all those they visit. If you would like to volunteer and be a part of a great organization, with an awesome mission, this group is for you!

I have been a CNA for 35 years.. always in the back of my head I had a dream I would like to have a house and save some of the people and get them out of nursing facilities. Let them be able to pay rent and split it you still have money to live on and play with. I wanted to go look at the bedroom houses and just see how much it would cost for the down payment not that I want the house paid for I just want help to get on my feet to rest you some of the people who don't need to be in the facility that has no family I can go on and on

Minis and Friends have been an amazing experience for our inpatient rehabilitation facility. They bring so much love and joy to our patients who are going through a difficult stage in their lives. Thank you so much Julia, Emily, Wiggins, Junie Belle and all the Minis and Friends!!!

The minis come to our hospital once a month. It is the highlight of many staff members as well as patients when they come. Animal therapy is a powerful thing. It is such an unusual treat to have them around and everyone is always smiling and so excited to see them. The staff that bring them are friendly and you can tell they really love the horses. Definitely a wonderful organization.

Very friendly! The staff are caring and really go the extra mile to help each person have a wonderful experience with the Mini’s.

This is a fantastic organization. They come to our hospital each month with several minis and it is extremely uplifting for our patients, families and staff. Thank you to Julia and her mom Betty who volunteer their time and bring their wonderful minis Emily, Fiona, Joonie Belle, Wiggins and of course Mini Pearl(complete with a pearl necklace!) We appreciate you guys so much!

I am proud to be part of Minis & Friends. The little horse Ambassadors bring smiles and much joy to those they visit in elder facilities, shelters and special needs schools & residences. The minis are ready to get back to their pre-2020 visit schedule. Support and volunteers are always appreciated

We love Minis & Friends at Wonders & Worries! The children absolutely LOVE seeing the Minis at family fun events. They love petting, walking them and getting their pictures taken. Minis & Friends are always great at communicating and bringing the Minis all dressed up whether that be for Halloween or a virtual event. Their volunteers are great with the children too and always go above and beyond so that the whole family feels included and get time with the minis. There also always fun facts to learn about them too!

Miss getting to volunteer with these lovely souls since leaving Texas. Love this organization and love what they do.

Mini's & Friends is a wonderful group who brings their miniature horses to visit our residents. They take the time to 'dress-up' the horses and make the visit more memorable. They are friendly and professional in how they interact with the individuals no matter their disabilities. I can't think of anything else they could do to make me visits better for us. We love their visits!!

Minis and Friends arrived at a Spring event for the children Saint Louise House serves with a van full of mini horses. It was so exciting for our families to have the opportunity to not only see the mini horses, but get to pet them. The volunteers from Minis and Friends were wonderful with our children! They patiently answered their many, many questions and shared with them how to care for the horses. The families (moms included) were enthralled by the mini horses. Saint Louise House staff was very grateful to the Minis & Friends volunteers for taking the time to support our event.

Volunteered for about 2 years great minis, great people. We always brought a smile to everyone's faces.

Minis and Friends helped me out when I needed it the most. No one would believe my story except them. They really helped me get through a hard time in my life.

I have worked with this organization since 2007. The minis have brought many smiles to faces young and old in the Austin area. And the volunteers give their time and bring dedication to this program. That can only be recognized as dedication with love. All mini owners and volunteers work together as a team at events and visits. Bringing the minis to old people and young gives all a feeling of joy and brings smiles to all.

This nonprofit is not only beneficial to all the elderly, sick and disabled people the minis visit help across the community, it really is a home and wonderful benefit to all the volunteers as well.

I have watched the dedicated owners of these beautiful Minis for years. I've enjoyed seeing the love and respect both have for one another. Wonderful organization that truly cares.

wonderful group darling minis that bring joy to many people..

I love this organization! The minis are so well trained and empathetic to people's needs. I will never forget the first time I met them and the hug I was able to give to "my" MasterCard. Don't tell the other minis that he is my favorite.

Wonderful opportunity to witness the magical connections the minis make with each individual.

I am new to Minis and Friends however I am honored to be a recipient of such joy and service as a MIni volunteer. Minis allow people to connect--no matter your age, race, political or religious beliefs. Minis bring joy and unconditional love. The world needs ways for us to relate, de-stress. laugh and bring a bright light to someone's day. I thought I would be the person giving and in my limited experience I received so much from the people we are serving.

I have been part of Minis and Friends for a long time. They are a great Organization and I love what they bring to the community. A good visit can even lift you up when you are down.

This organization is totally volunteer run. The horse owners generously give their time, dollars, energy and love to bring cheer and fun to individuals facing some tough circumstances. These individuals could be patients recovering from illness or injury, children in a shelter or older men and women in a nursing home or memory care. Volunteer handlers help keep everyone safe and the interactions positive. The smiles, laughter and joy these volunteers and horses bring to patients/residents really do make a big difference.

Wonderful organization. Bringing the power of animals to positively affect those in the community. Regular, well-organized outings to public and private places in the community touches the lives of many, all ages, including volunteers and the staff at different places they hold visits at.

Minis and Friends has been an extraordinary non-profit to volunteer with. These horses bring such joy to children and other special populations through their gentle demeanor and warmth. And, they help the humans who work with them to more directly connect with the people we serve. Minis and Friends allows us to bring a very special kind of love to those in need, physically and emotionally, and everyone gains from the experience. My time with the horses and those who contribute their time, enriches my own life and all those who interact with us. It is something very special.

Suffering from my own auto-immune issues, and walking with the assistance of a cane, "My health had me at a crossroads of my identity in life, then I saw them, these incredible little creatures." It was a Minis and friends volunteer training session. In an instant, I had been transformed, forgetting about my pain, tossing the cane aside, and interjected myself , jogging with a mini, into the class. I was hooked and began my incredible journey volunteering with this organization. I, now along beside my husband, own four wonderful therapeutic miniature horses. I've witnessed, first hand, the amazing ability and social impact these horses have in our community and the health and wellness of all they encounter. The vast ability these horses have to diversify and transform their therapeutic interventions to specifically target exactly what one needs from them is remarkable and uncanning. This volunteer endeavor, has allowed my husband and I, to share our love of horses and people, and has extended our understanding of the animal to human connection and helped us develop a deep compassion for loving and serving others.

Our organization has worked with Minis & Friends for several years and each experience we have is beyond delightful.

I think everyone can agree that interacting with the Minis is good for the soul. We always enjoy having the Minis out; the interaction with the Minis and the rest of the team is always exceptional.

The work Sally, Sherry and their team do is unbelievable! It's amazing the care they have for their mini horses, and the way they deliver the mini horse experience to children and adults.

They have the best attitude, and they have created an amazingly effective system. Hard to believe!

I have volunteered with Minis and friends for about 6 months now! I can not say enough great things about all those who are involved with this group! The volunteer training was well thought out and I felt very prepared to go out with the mini's to the community! The events that I helped with are the highlight of my weeks! To see the pure JOY on the children's and the parents faces is something I will never forget! There is AWE in the kids faces when they see and interact with the mini's! They get to "decorate" the mini's with flowers, hats, beads ,etc! They sometimes even get to take selfies with them! My only regret is that I don't have more time in my schedule to attend every event!

We recently volunteered to serve with this amazing group. We have seen the joy and smiles of the elderly and the children brought by these little horses and the loving volunteers that share their love and time. This is an incredible organization that can reach out to those that are hurting and just need a little nuzzle or to softly touch a cute mini that can unconditionally give love in the most gentle way. To see the eyes light up and hear the excitement in their voices are the most rewarding blessings a volunteer can experience. LOVE THOSE MINIS AND THIS INCREDIBLE TEAM.

Minis and Friends provides that ray of sunshine to people in need. They group is full of warm-hearted people.

I run an organization that seeks out volunteers making big impacts on lives in Central Texas, and helps tell their stories. Minis and Friends was one of the most delightful encounters I've ever had in 3+ years of doing this - after hearing countless stories from volunteers as well as those they serve I now truly believe that these little minis really are magical!

I've been with Minis and Friends for over a year now and it's been a wonderful experience. Everyone is on a volunteer basis and you can just feel the passion for the minis and for each volunteer opportunity we get to go on. It's always great to see the smiling faces of children and the elderly a like when they get to pet the minis. Equine therapy really does help and I love being a part of this organization!

The Settlement Home for Children would like to thank Minis and Friends for continuing to come to our campus and sure the joy of their Minis with our children. Minis and Friends visits are always a wonderful and educational experience. Our girls love seeing them all dressed up, taking pictures with them, and brushing their hair. The Minis are truly magical, even if the child comes in with a frown on their face they can't help but leave with the biggest smile. The happiness the Minis and the volunteers share with our children helps them heal with joy!!

We are an assisted living senior home. There is no more excitement i can think of than the announcement that the mini horses are coming! ...to the point we almost have to stop announcing they are coming because it is overwhelming. Most of the time the horses dress up in costume/holiday attire for us too! Therapy dogs are great but a therapy horse you can get up close and face to face personal and have some big hugs and loving! We love and cherish every visit!!! We are thankful for EVERY visit we get from Minis and Friends. They are loving professionals!

Minis and Friends is an inspirational organization. I have long wanted to share the therapeutic effect of animals with others but needed a starting point. Minis and Friends and their all volunteer staff have provided and continue to provide the education and support to help me do this. They are always willing to share information, provide encouragement, and lend a helping hand.
During "boot camp" training we went to the Alzheimer's unit of an assisted living center. While there I witnessed the transformation of a patient whom we were told had been unresponsive to family, other volunteers and staff. The mini horse, Remington, made it clear to me, his handler, that he wanted to visit this lady. He put his face near her hand. She started petting and whispering to him. Minis and Friends facilitated a small miracle.
In my opinion, Minis and Friends embodies everything an excellent nonprofit should be.

Minis & Friends is a wonderful nonprofit organization with an amazing group of people and, of course, the precious mini horses. It touches many lives and I am extremely happy and proud to be a part of it. I pray God will continue to bless all involved in making this happen, and for all the lives touched by the minis ☺️ !!

Love, love, love Minis and Friends! All the volunteers, minis and owners are selfless in their dedication to bringing smiles, happiness and a little bit of wonder to all of the places we visit. It never gets old. No matter how many times we visit. Giving back and making people happy is the greatest gift. Really.

I love this organization and the joy it brings to the lives of others. The mini horses have such an impact on those we visit. I love Minis and Friends!

Best nonprofit organization ever! I joined the group last year and we really like a big family. I love everyone in the group!

We are all volunteers in Minis and Friends and growing in leaps and bounds! We have added monthly visits to Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas weather permitting and have returned to quarterly visits at the Shelters for Abused and Neglected Children. We aim to add 2 more hospitals in Austin in 2015 and fingers are crossed to partner with the cancer facilities for adults and seniors. It brings joy not only to those we visit on Saturdays with the little horse therapists but also to all of us who attend the visits. Because of Minis and Friends I can honestly say I have met seniors over 102 who remember the minis by name and look forward to their visits, children and youth who need an extra smile and happiness and what is possibly better 'then walking a miniature horse!" .. Love this organization and all that it does for people of all ages with special needs in the greater Austin area - the miniature horses give willingly up themselves - unconditional love.

Minis and Friends has been great training others to deliver pet therapy service

I've been involved with Minis and Friends for almost two years and have found it to be an amazingly rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up (whether child or adult) when they realize that the minis are coming to visit them. I'm very grateful I have the opportunity to work with these amazing animals and such an awesome group of people.

I am only 3 weeks old in the system and I am absolutely in love with both the "Minis" and the "Friends" (read volunteers). I moved to Austin from New York and I was looking for some opportunities to volunteer when this one came around with a flag and a poster! I find the experience soul satisfying especially when spending time with the children and elderly. Loving on the minis is what I'm totally crazy about.. hey they're such angels! When I say the non-profit's heart is where their mouth is I mean it.. because these folks really care about what they do and that's what matters to me most. Look forward to years of serving the community heartfully through Minis and Friends. I love you guys!

For 12 years I have worked with full size horses and children with physical and mental handicaps. I loved my job and felt a special connection with the animals who helped not just children but persons of all ages who traveled to our facility. In December 2010 I moved my herd of horses to a beautiful facility in south east Austin where I had the most fortunate of luck in meeting founder and director Sally. I immediately fell in love with the minis, as does every one who meets them! My first exposure to the minis and the public came in the form of the United Way day of caring. The response to the minis by the 45 plus corporate employees brought tears to my eyes, you could feel these participants stress and anxiety lift! I was hooked!

I have now have worked with the group closely for a few years and its always just fantastic to be involved! The visits are handled with such care and professionalism, you can see that there is love and only love that goes into this fantastic opportunity in our local community. The most powerful and profound moments I've had include memories and tears shared by our Alzheimer's patients to having non verbal cases where families have never heard the voice of their child or grandparent. To make such powerful impact with persons and families is a blessing. I'm so blessed to be a witness to truly the most heartwarming and unique therapy available.

This organization is wonderful. Everyone in the organization helps because they truly just want to spread joy and make people happy. The miniature horses are the most adorable animals and the smiles they put on people's faces are unbelievable. I would recommend this organization to anyone who is looking for a good cause to donate to (ALL of the money goes towards taking care of the horses and allowing the organization to go out to local Austin places almost every weekend to spread some love) or to volunteer at. They have not only made a difference in some many Austinite's lives but also in mine.

I went thru training last year and have been able to participate in several events since then. I never considered Equine Therapy as either a volunteer opportunity or therapy. I can tell you from firsthand experience that it's amazing how people respond to the minis. People who normally won't speak or move all of a sudden come alive when they see and can touch the minis. Even folks who may be suffering some type of dementia can tell you about their experiences when they were younger and had horses. This organization has been such a blessing to me, and I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of the way they touch lives. I would highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this wonderful organization and all of the mini owners (Sally, Gil, Sherry, Paul, Julia, Betty, as well as our Hays County friends). If you want to make a difference in your community, come volunteer with us.

As a mental health therapist I understand the power of animals in the healing of clients. When I had the opportunity to join Minis and Friends as a volunteer a couple of years ago I could not resist. Being a part of this group is so rewarding--- it truly is filled with a multitude of volunteers who have nothing but kindness and caring in their hearts. It takes very special people to give up each weekend to travel all over the area in order to give to others. And our minis--- who could resist falling in love with them :) Thank you Minis and Friends for spreading so many smiles to so many people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I began volunteering with Minis and Friends I had no idea of the impact visits from the Minis would have on individuals. Each and everytime we visit a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility I see radiant smiles on the faces of all those who get to interact with these little animals. Often people will open up and begin a conversation about pets they've previously owned and you can see a light in their eyes that is so beautiful. I thank all the Mini owners who give so much of themselves to bring joy and happiness to others. It is a privilege to be a Minis and Friends volunteer - join us!!

I continue to enjoy working with Minis & Friends. As a co-founder, I have been with them since that first meeting around the kitchen table where we dreamed of a miniature horse organization just like the one we see now at Minis & Friends. I work mostly as a virtual volunteer from my home 2 hours away but look forward to those special times when I get to be with the minis and the people in person. Favorite times throughout the year include when we expand our extended family by hosting Boot Camps, teaching others from all around the US and Canada how to form their own non profit following our Equine Guided Interaction model. I also enjoy seeing our wonderful volunteers in action as they work with the minis where they can make a big difference in the lives of those they visit. Minis and Friends would not exist without their hard work.

I have volunteered with Minis and Friends since January, 2013, and have loved EVERY moment. We have visited some great places and you can see how much everyone enjoys seeing the minis...even the minis love the visits. They all have unique personalities that blend seamlessly with each other and the people, young and old, that they meet.

This non-profit has great leadership, all the volunteers are fun, caring and compassionate and the minis are well taken care of and happy. If you love horses and enjoy bringing joy and happiness to others, check us out and join the fun!!

I have volunteered with Minis and Friends for about 5 years now. This organization is by the best one that I have been with. Not only are the other people involved amazing, but the minis are too. Minis and Friends gave me more satisfaction when I first started than any other group did, and it still does to this very day!

Minis and Friends is a truly wonderful organization that brings joy to the community. Seeing the impact that the mini horses have on people is very heartwarming. I've been able to see first-hand the interaction between these sweet animals and the people who truly need some extra love (the elderly, foster children, etc.) - Every time I volunteer, it brings happy tears to my eyes! Also, it's a lot of fun! Keep it up, Minis and Friends.

I have been volunteering with my minis for 2 years. The work that Minis and Friends does is awesome.
My family and I love what we get to do with our little guys! Thank you Minis and Friends!

My name is Diane McBee and I attended the miniature horse equine assisted interaction training offered by Mini and Friends. As the director of a miniature horse therapy program, Knee High Mini Tours, I was impressed with the knowledge of the volunteers and the compassion displayed toward the clients. I was able to participate in many different types of training activities and gained first hand experience working with the miniature horses and clients. Safety was paramount, as was providing meaningful experiences. My experiences have shown Minis and Friends to be a caring organization committed to sharing the love of their miniature horses by reaching out to others and bringing joy into their lives.

Minis and Friends serves a wide variety of people in need. Their work with special needs children, ill children, senior citizens and child protective service is unsurpassed in the rewards that it makes you feel to be a part of. This non-profit is truly a heart warming experience.

Minis and Friends is a wonderful organization and it has been such a pleasure working with all of the miniature horses, their owners, other volunteers, and of course all of the people that we visit. It is such a joy to see how much happiness these little therapy horses bring to children and adults alike. I am so thankful that I found this organization and am able to be a part of bringing a smile to so many people. Athena Boukantar

Minis and Friends has been volunteering with The Settlement Home for Children for several years. They have brought their miniature horses to our campus on several occasions, and our girls have been given the opportunity to interact with them in a variety of ways. Our residents (and staff!) love when Minis and Friends come to visit because they enjoy getting to walk, pet and groom the animals. This year, our residents were invited to the first annual Mini March put on by Minis and Friends. Minis and Friends does a great job of meeting the needs of our residents and providing fun and educational programming.

It was amazing to watch our kids and adults become so involved with the horses and the sense of calm that it seemed to bring to them. I was especially impressed with how easily some of our more withdrawn kids became so engaged with the minis. The kids seemed so much more open and talkative both during and after the visit, must more at ease. They particularly loved being able to brush them and walk them, having the opportunity to really feel like they were caring for them. We can’t wait for our next visit and the continued presence of Minis and Friends within our program.

Minis and Friends has visited Marbridge numerous times. As the volunteer coordinator for this assisted living center, I am happy to say that they are not only friendly and professional when they visit, but they truly brighten the days of the residents who live here. We love them so much, we awarded them the Marbridge Volunteer Group of the Year award for 2011/2012.

I have seen many wonderful connections made between the minis and the people we visit. The little horses and donkeys inspire people to get out and try things when they feel they are not capable of being successful; they uplift people by offering their unconditional acceptance and hugs; they encourage people by giving them a chance to just enjoy the minis and to take a break from the emotional or physical pain they are experiencing. I remember one visit last year to a local children's shelter. One of the younger children was afraid to approach the minis, but with human encouragement and the silent reassurance of our gentle mini, the child ended up brushing and even hugging my miniature donkey.

My name is Lynann Centers. I attended boot camp in March 2012. I have a nonprofit organization called HeavenSent Half-Pints, which does similar work as Minis and Friends does. Boot camp was very helpful for me.

Minis and Friends is an awesome organization! We have two Type Diabetics and attend the JDRF walk every year! The minis and their handlers bring many smiles and much joy to these children. I love to see them myself! Thank you Sally and Gil for bringing lil mini sunshines into so many peoples lives!!

As a volunteer for this organization, I found them well-organized and well-trained, with the best intentions and the ability to carry out those intentions. They respect their clients and volunteers. I have been with them, taking the miniature horses to several living facilities for children and adults with special needs. The horses are always a delight to the participants, young and old. I look forward to volunteering with them in the future.

I have had the privledge to train under Minis and Friends and feel truly blessed to have learnt from such skilled horse owners. Minis and Friends is unique in it's ability to offer valuable and meaningful programs for a variety of people in various settings while advocating for the mini horses they work with.
I would highly recommend Minis and Friends as trainers for Equine Guided Activites and Therapy Programs.
We have become nationally recognized group because of them.
THANK YOU to all their volunteers!

I am the volunteer and activities coordinator at Helping Hand Home for Children, where we have had the privilege of many visits from Minis and Friends! We are a residential treatment center for children ages 4-13 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. I plan many activities for the kids here and Minis and Friends is definitely one of the most special for them!

It is a delight to watch the children groom and walk the gentle creatures.. some of our kids have lived on ranches for periods of time, whether with their biological family or with a foster family, so these kids particularly enjoy visits from the minis! You can also see how therapeutic the experience is when some of our most seemingly "fearless" kids are afraid to even go near them... then they will slowly come around, then soon be hugging the horses, not wanting to say goodbye!

Another great factor is that these visits are offered all for free...this is huge for non-profits with a limited budget! And the experiences the kids get in return are priceless!

The volunteers involved with Minis and Friends all interact with our clients (the children) so well and the founder Sally is super committed and passionate about this organization! I highly recommend that any special needs populations get to experience a visit from the miniature horses and their wonderful handlers!

Minis and Friends was a dream for a way to give our time and love to people who needed us. The reason that we chose to have miniature horses to help us was because we actually witnessed many who responded to our precious horses in a positive way. Perhaps in a way that nothing else could ever do. As owners of the horses and one of three volunteers, we were blessed watching changes in those very ones that we visited. The horses struted their stuff! I personally saw a lady, in the latter stages of Alzheimer's disease, who opened her eyes and her clinched fists to touch the mane of a horse. I saw a hundred children who were on the brink of making life changing mistakes, respond to my mini by touching, talking to, and of all things, braiding the mane and the tale of a loving animal. We ran out of mane, before everyone got to braid! We saw miracles in the short time that we were with people who needed time with an animal. That is what has kept me loving the work that we have been priviledged to do for others. I am a co-founder. With my heart and soul, I believe that there is no better gift than what Minis and Friends can give to others. And in these times of trying to profit as a person or business, our non-profit organization profits from the smiles and happiness that only our minis can give.

I work at a treatment center for children who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse. The children I work with deal with lots of traumatic memories and struggle to heal and move beyond their histories. Many suffer from depression it means so much to them when the Minis come visit. For the time that the horses are with them, they forget about their problems and are able to laugh and smile. They LOVE petting and walking the horses around. Sally and Gil are generous with their time and resources, even printing photos of the children with the minis on site, during a Christmas holiday visit. They are gentle souls with gentle horses who help our children with their healing process. We appreciate them and look forward to every visit.

My son is a cancer survivor and is blind. We've become involved with several organizatons that support families that deal with cancer as well as those that have blind children. Minis and Friends has supported many of the functions that these organizations have participated in. My son has a great time working with the horses and I know the other kids really enjoy them as well. They provide a great service for these kids that have had to deal with so much in their young lives. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to meet Sally and her friends at Minnis and Friends.

Good morning,
I am so happy to write a review for Minis and Friends. My name is Laurie Demitry and my daughter and I have a mini therapy group here in Northern Virginia called NOVA Therapy Minis. Sally and Ellen have been invaluable to us in getting our program off the ground. They have been incredibly generous with information and resources which has saved us much time and extra effort. We have a ways to go before we're reaching and touching as many folks as Minis and Friends does but we are well on our way thanks to Minis and Friends. I can't think of a more deserving group !!!!

We have been associated with the Minis and Friends Group since it's inception. Sally and Gil have put their hearts and souls into this group and the love that they have for the people they help comes through in all that they do.
My son was 15 when we had an opportunity to go on a visit with they group for the first time, on Feb 14, 2009. It was a visit to a place providing "residential care, education, and training for adults with various cognitive challenges". At then end of the 2 hour visit he was getting back in the van when I asked him, "Did you have fun?"
His reply floors me, "Dad, that was life changing".
What more can I say.

This organization has wonderful volunteers that are always willing to find a way to help other non-profits out. They work very well with children and of course the kids love the minis (so do I). We have used Minis and Friends at many of our activities and they have never disappointed us.

I was looking for an organization where I could indulge my love of horses and, at the same time, give back to the community. I met Minis and Friends at a local horse expo and was immediately interested. After talking with Sally and researching the organization, I bought my first miniature horse and became involved in the organization. We have brought smiles, laughter and hugs to disadvantaged children and adults in care facilities and nursing homes. It has been such a joy to share this opportunity with them, and has truly shown me what life is all about.

Our personal experience with Mini and Friends has been our attendance at their Boot Camp 2 yrs. ago. We were very impressed with Sally and Gil and their Board Members and the beautiful minis as well. We learned so much about the horses, forming a non-stock corporation and the do's and don'ts when visiting a facility. All the information we gathered has helped us trememdously with our programs here in Colorado. Minis and Friends is constantly sharing their experiences and knowledge to help all in this field. I am amazed at all they are doing with the minis to help others. They are a wonderful, caring corporation.

My first experience with Minis and Friends was as a volunteer when Minis and Friends joined with the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation to host an interactive field trip with children from Safe Place last July held at the ranch where my horse is stabled. What a delight it was to see the joy, and a bit of trepedation in some, in the faces of the children. I have been a volunteer since then and assit when I'm able.

Each and everyone of the owners that I've meet are most gracious, kind and caring to the children who are over-joyed to touch, brush, and lead the minis around.

All who are involved with Minis and Friends have a great desire to provide joy, delight, and comfort to all recipents of a visit by Minis and Friends; Dell's Children Center, Marbridge, Safe Place, and Settlement Home for Girls to name a few.

A great mother daughter volunteer experience that started off for the purpose of giving back to the community. We fell in love with the miniature horses as they worked their magic with those in need throughout
the community. Giving back became a bigger purpose in finding those who need a little something special in their life. These "therapy" miniatures can put a smile and soothe some of those in need. It has been
pure joy to be associated with Minis and Friends as a volunteer and a team participant. We look forward to each and every opportunity to serve in the community.
We operate with the kindness and generosity of our volunteers and support of the greater Austin area community.

The Austin Minis and Friends is constantly bringing smiles to many faces, both small and large. They are a very professional group with the leadership and volunteers needed to be a successful non profit organization. Sally and her trainees have visited our farm on several occasions and we found them to be quite wonderful!

I can't say enough positive things with this organization. They are constantly on the move with there Minis bringing education, joy, and self esteem to children and adults alike. They are a big supporter of the Brackenridge children's hospital and many other associations. The world needs more non profit organization that bring light with their humongouss changes in people lives. I am a big supporter of Mini & Friends.
Tania
DLS FEED

Minis and Friends, Austin, TX is a phenomenal organization that is extremely active in the Austin, TX area. In addition to their equine guided interactions and their animal assisted activities, the co-founders and some of the volunteers offer a four day training workshop annually! I have found the volunteer leaders to be very helpful, and all of the miniature horses are clean, well groomed and healthy...and they actually do enjoy interacting with the people that they visit. This organization is extremely aware of safety needs and precautions, and yet are able to focus on the benefits to the individuals with whom they visit. Keep up the great work, Minis and Friends!!