Mini horse “Sweetie” from Amazing Mini Miracles gives big, sweet kisses as Patsy,
MSCH – San Diego resident, and MSOS participant, looks on. |
by Sheryl Wilde Joy – Awe – Amazement – Magic!
Big Things Really Do Come in Small Packages Thanks to Amazing Mini Miracles, A Miniature Horse Therapy Program |
Big smiles from MSOS participant, Vivian, as she pets Charm, the magical mini horse. |
A life-changing birthday gift of two, six-month-old miniature horses, spurred Donna Carlomagno into a purpose-ridden new nonprofit adventure, Amazing Mini Miracles, in 2019. Physical challenges had forced an early retirement from her long-term position as a stenographer for the San Diego Superior Court – and as soon as she saw the two mini horses, she, and her husband, were filled with such a sense of joy and happiness, they knew they had to share them with others.
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Big laughs as MSOS participant, Scott, interacts with Charm. |
The Amazing Mini Miracles team of horses is “always positive, full of love, and are naturally empathetic and compassionate, which is why they have so much kindness, inner strength, and wisdom within them,” says Donna on her website. “They offer emotional support to humans, other animals, and to each other. They are healing in so many different ways.” |
A sense of wonder on MSOS participant, Shannon’s, face as he pets Charm, and experiences petting a horse for the first time. |
“The miniature horse visit was arranged by Flor Angel, Director, Mountain Shadows Outreach Services,” says Heathcliffe Moore, Program Director, New Beginnings Therapeutic Day Program. “The interaction with the horses really brightened the day for the participants of both programs.” Adds Flor, “Everybody really enjoyed the horses. The horses always bring smiles and laughter. Many participants have never seen horses before, so it’s a great experience for them.” |
“This was a very, very positive introduction to therapy animals for our clients,” says Heath. “Our MSNB clients have extreme behavioral challenges as well as developmental disabilities. This kind of venture with the therapy horses was new to them. “Some of our clients were a little bit nervous at first. It’s not what they’re used to. But some of them, with guidance, were able to pet the horses – and then you could see the smiles on their faces! “One client was relaxing in the MSNB sensory room. We had to convince him to come out and see the horses. And as soon as he came out, he reached for the horse and started petting it. Then he had the BIG smile on his face.” |
Awe and curiosity light MSOS participant, Eric’s, face. |
Continues Heath, “Our clients have been segregated and isolated most of their lives, so just being able to see a different type of animal that they have never had a chance to see before, it was a great experience.
“The horse’s handlers were very nice, very understanding, very respectful. They saw beyond our clients’ disabilities. They saw the person. The clients were able to meet people from outside our community, and be treated with respect and care.
“It was very beneficial for everyone. There have been talks about taking our New Beginnings clients on outings to the ranch.” |
A big WOW from MSOS participant, and MSCH – San Diego resident, Deepak, as he is CHARMed by the magic of a mini horse. |
When Donna first laid eyes on her two mini horses, she was in awe. “One can see these little mini horses in a magazine or on the internet, but to see them, visually, in person, was a powerful feeling of immense joy and happiness,” says Donna on her website. “This feeling led us to start our charitable, nonprofit organization, Amazing Mini Miracles, as a way to bring joy, happiness and social support to individuals throughout our community.
“We believe everyone’s day-to-day acts of compassion can help create a world where people feel valued and not forgotten.” |
Blue-eyed magic-maker, Amazing Mini Miracles horse, Charm. |
Donna concludes, “The calm that the horses exude offers peace and calm to humans. We want people to feel the safety of gentle love, tenderness and strength that horses have within their souls and to then internalize that silent strength. To feel it. To embrace it. To WANT IT! It’s powerful.” I saw a man who couldn’t walk, look into the eyes of a horse, laugh and talk … I saw a woman who couldn’t see, stroke the mane of a horse, squeal with glee … I saw them both, born into lives of strife, take up and hold the reins of life.* Thank you, Charm, Sweetie, and the entire human team at Amazing Mini Miracles, for a day filled with big smiles, laughter and magic, that our Mountain Shadows Family will remember forever!
*Modified from John Anthony Davis |
JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS! |
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The Mountain Shadows Foundation –
Because We CARE |
The Mountain Shadows CARE program provides recreational and social experiences to residents and participants adding meaning and richness to their lives. It’s easy for you to help us continue to provide activities like this – activities that improve the quality of our residents’ lives in fulfillment of their dreams. Here are some ways you can help ensure these crucial activities can continue for years to come: - Make a one-time donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
- Make a monthly or annual contribution.
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Leave a Legacy Gift.
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here:
Learn More About the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society Please share this story with your family, friends and co-workers to help grow our Mountain Shadows Family!
To learn more about Mountain Shadows volunteer opportunities, please click below:
Learn about Mountain Shadows Volunteer Opportunities Here
Please email comments about this story to Sheryl Wilde at: swilde@mtnshadows.org. |
Mandy Huiras Mountain Shadows Foundation
Director of Development
Contact Mandy today to learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation and how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of our residents:
mhuiras@mtnshadows.org |
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