2 minute read
Angels for Minis - Minature Horse Rescue Needs Volunteers
www.NorthgateLivingCA.com @NorthgateLivingCA #NorthgateLivingCA
By Laurie Bellet – Volunteer Coordinator
Introduce anyone to a horse in a tiny package and you will hear a chorus of “aw..so cute!” Indeed, miniature horses are sweet, affectionate and downright adorable. But, what happens when these very special creatures are mistreated, neglected or have outlived their human family? The lucky ones find their way to Angels for Minis. Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, Angels for Minis, founded in 2013, is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of miniature horses. Home to approximately 24 minis at any given time, Angels for Minis rescues these unique animals and provides them with shelter, food, veterinary care and lots of love. The horses, who come from all around the western U.S., are referred to AFM by humane societies, animal control officers, and the tips from concerned parties who become aware of an abandoned horse. We are one of very few miniature horse rescue facilities in the country.
Although everyone who meets a mini is immediately enamored, few people know much about the tiny horse. Originally enjoyed as palatial pets, the miniature horse was specifically bred by the Fallabella family in Argentina. These horses found a role in this country as mine workers, pulling the miners’ carts. Often misunderstood to be a type of pony (which is much larger), miniature horses cannot be ridden. In contemporary society the diminutive horses are most frequently companion animals. They can be seen in the show rings demonstrating their jumping prowess and cart pulling skills. They can be trained as (riderless) therapy or guide animals and you may even find one to calm your nerves at the airport!
Those horses rescued at Angels for Minis require a great deal of attention. Some horses come to AFM fully wild; others have never experienced human touch; some have been starved. Some require special feed. Others come needing wound care or medication. A dedicated corps of committed volunteers provides day to day care, socialization and patient training. Although tiny, minis need the same maintenance care as do their larger counterparts. In addition to basic environmental care and nutrition, the minis need veterinary and dental care. While they do not wear horseshoes, minis do require periodic visits and hoof trimming from the farrier. The average expense per horse after an initial veterinary visit is $350-$1050. With the help of sponsors and those who can donate their services we are able to provide those we rescue with proper veterinary treatment, feed and whatever necessary care they may require for successful rehabilitation.
Angels for Minis needs volunteers. Angels for Minis has no paid staff and relies totally on volunteers to provide all the daily care, socialization and barn maintenance these magical animals require. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old (working alongside a participating parent) and must commit to regularly working a minimum of once every week for at least 2 hours. Training is provided. A regular commitment is essential.
Angels for Minis is seeking to add to its dedicated corps of regular volunteers. Angels for Minis depends on volunteer work parties from corporations, local businesses and affinity groups. Work parties build, paint, and assist with a variety of essential major projects.
Angels for Minis relies solely on donations and public contributions to transport and care for the rescued horses. The goal for every horse is a new “forever home.” In the five years since Angels for Minis was founded, more than 410 horses have been placed with new families.
To learn more about volunteering, scheduling a work party, or adopting, please visit our website http://www.angelsforminis.com,” like” our FaceBook page, or email us at angelsforminis@att.net.)
At Angels for Minis, these amazing animals learn to trust. They learn to receive love and return love.
