EQUINE ANGELS SO CAL MINI HORSE SANCTUARY, LITTLE HORSES & BIG DREAMS

Written by Jeanne Oliver

So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary is a place for dreamers, a place for those who believe in helping, a place for new life. Each day at the Sanctuary is different and exciting, but there is also a predictability to our routine. The morning sounds of nickering horses as we begin feeding, the echoes of tiny hoof beats as our happy, healthy, rescued miniature horses run around their pastures, excited for breakfast. The calling from the horses as they are walked for training, grooming and exercise by volunteers. During these lively and happy times, it is remarkable to remember that these mini horses have made tremendous progress in our care. Our minis were once skinny and starved, abused, or worse – on their way to a merciless end; now they are loved.

So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary began as a private family venture a decade ago by Jeanne Oliver and her three boys! Jeanne was in a riding accident and although she no longer rides, her love for horses remained. She was introduced to minis and the sanctuary followed shortly after when she realized the extent of neglect and abuse these little horses endure. Miniature horses, although smaller than ponies and full-sized horses, require the same amount of care. Jeanne saw that minis are often given as presents to children, like Easter bunnies, minis are cute at first, then neglected, abused, or taken to auction and dumped for money.

In the span of ten years, we have gone from a tiny hobby rescue, funded solely by our founder, to the largest mini horse rescue in California, if not the world. We attended local auctions and when malnourished and abandoned minis were brought into the auction ring, we happily rescued them from questionable fates. Local auctions are often the first stop for many horses on their way to darker and crueler places. Saving minis from these places is our biggest goal.

As a non-profit, we believe in the importance of the Sanctuary’s transparency and in having strong ethical and operational principles. We updated our polices, planned for the future, and in June of 2016 we became verified and later accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the only Globally Recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. Daryl Tropea, the GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine, explained that “The So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary clearly strives to adhere to best practices and has shown impressive accomplishments rescuing over 90 miniature horses during their first year of operations.” We are proud to be part of something bigger, something that encompasses the entire idea behind animal rescue and promotes animal welfare.

Through the ceaseless efforts of our founder, our rescue has blossomed into a beautiful sanctuary. The nickers and hoof beats are never ending at So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary. You can expect to find minis munching on hay or napping in the sunshine. In the summertime we play in the water, splashing around with the hose, keeping the minis and volunteers cool and comfortable.

Through our efforts we have rescued upwards of 400 mini horses and have found safe and loving homes for more than 300 of them. These horses were thrown away by the people that were supposed to care about them, they came to us afraid and unable to trust but overtime and with patience they learned to love again.

Our minis receive only the best; that means regular veterinary care, hoof trims and attention. As part of our rehabilitation and training efforts, we believe in taking our minis on adventures into the community. We know how important it is for the minis we rehome be well prepared for the world and all of its excitement. We regularly attend community functions in our area as well as pet adoption days and local equestrian events. Many of our minis have been in local holiday parades, and the 2017 and 2018 Rose Parades and have done their very best to bring attention to our cause.

Our passion for horses has gotten us this far, and will continue to carry us down a road of rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming. We can only hope that others who have an equine addiction as strong as ours will consider adopting one of our loving horses, sponsoring or donating to our efforts. Follow our amazing journey on Facebook and Instagram @ socalminihorsesanctuary, you may find a mini that is irresistibly photogenic and tugs at your heart!

A note from our founder: My name is Jeanne Oliver, I am the Founder/ President of So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary. We are currently looking for a new location in the Southern or Central California area. We are looking for a ranch property with a minimum of three acres and living accommodations. Every property is unique, but most properties have potential. The property could be donated Trust property or a low-cost ranch/equestrian facility. If you have or know of such a property, we would love to discuss the possibilities. We are looking for a long term/lifetime opportunity. We can be creative. We are low-key, immaculate, responsible, and dedicated. If you are in a situation to help and could open your heart and home for the Sanctuary, we would love a phone call.

So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We specialize in the care of neglected, abused, and abandoned miniature horses.

Through our efforts we have rescued upwards of 400 mini horses and have found safe and loving homes for more than 300 of them. These horses were thrown away by the people that were supposed to care about them, they came to us afraid and unable to trust but over time and with patience they learned to love again.

The Sanctuary is run by Volunteers. As a nonprofit, we rely on Donations. It is a sanctuary of love and rehabilitation for both horses and humans. It is an amazing experience. It is a labor of love.

Cell Phone: (951) 764-5707 socalmini.org

We are looking for a property to lease long-term. Every property is unique, but most properties have potential. The property could be a donated trust property or a low-cost ranch/equestrian facility. Minimum three usable acres with living quarters.

When our time on earth is done, money and material, things will not matter, the love time and kindness we have given to others will shine and live on forever.

The sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the highest status an animal organization can receive. Our nonprofit has a platinum rating on Guidestar, an independent rating service that assesses charitable organizations.

We are low-key, immaculate, responsible and dedicated. If you are in the situation to help and could open your heart and home to the Sanctuary, we would love a phone call at (951) 764-5707 or email us at socalminihorse@yahoo.com