Mighty Equines in Small Packages
Minis and Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are a group of caring people and horse lovers dedicated to sharing the love and spirit of miniature horses to those who need special, tender care. Our organization was specially created by a group of friends who want to share this exciting equine experience with you.
Minis and Friends is dedicated to bringing our mobile herd of trained miniature horses to visit and interact with people of all ages who may be suffering mentally, physically or emotionally. Our unique programs tailor activities for children with disabilities, at-risk youth, individuals in transition and elder adults to improve their motor skills, ability to connect, tactile response, use of senses and spirits through interaction with miniature horses.
Headliner News
MasterCard and SeanMonet have a new colt brother! Remington joined the little horses of Sacred Stone Ranch Saturday, August 28, to help bring big smiles to all they meet. Remington is 13 months old and 26.75" tall. He was the pride and joy of the Kirk family at Lady K's Miniature Horses in Pipe Creek, TX. Liz has been holding Remington for Gil and Sally until the time was right for him to join his new brothers in Austin. Visit our Photo Gallery to see more pictures.
Seven co-workers from Whole Foods (downtown Lamar store) came out to Sacred Stone Ranch on Friday, August 27 for three hours of bathing, grooming, exercise and general learning about the little horses.
Pictures coming soon.
Team members of Minis and Friends, family members of Sally/Gil Iwanski in Carrollton and Minis and Friends North Texas joined Robin Valelutto, Texas Regional Director of the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation on Sunday, August 23 at the 300 Dallas at Addison for a Bowling Fundraiser. Bowling with a pizza lunch and sodas/water, Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Irish Raffle and Minis and Me photos were available for early Christmas Shopping and big smiles. Robin shares that we raised close to $3000 once expenses are figured in. Congratulations to all that attended to bring "reading to horses" to the Dallas Metro area in 2011 school year. Click to go to our Photo Gallery to experience the day!
Minis Koda and Jax visited the Bastrop Nursing Home recently and had a wonderful time. Mini Coordinator and owner Gina tells us they even visited with a 107 year old resident! Minis and handlers - Gina, Loretta and Patricia had a amazing day visiting as well as the staff. Pictures will be posted as they are released.
The Austin minis were welcome by PetSmart Sunset Valley on Saturday for a training day on floors and dogs/strollers. PetSmart staff and the customers were greeted by the Austin miniatures - Bravo, Diego, Jax, MasterCard, Rocky, Rudy and SeanMonet for a special treat! Mini thanks to the owners and our volunteers for coming out to support the training class.
Minis Out, In the Community
Meet the miniature horses, Lewis and Tiny Tim (our honorary mini donkeys) by attending these public events:
Sept 16-19 Mini Boot Camp Certification Workshop (FULL) - learn all you need to know to start an Equine Guided Interactions non-profit in your community!
Sept 25 - Children's Health & Safety Fair sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary at VFW Post 10 in Leander- 10am to 2pm
October 16 - BlueBonnet Horse Expo - Expo Center off Decker Lane - all day
October 24 - Buddy Walk for Down's Syndrome - Reunion Ranch - all day
October 31 - Juvenile Diabetes Walk for the Cure - Mueller Lake - 9am
Nov 6 - Austin Celtic Festival
Nov 13 - Leander Fire Department Children's Safety Fair - 10am to 2pm - 651 US 183 in Leander
Corporate Teambuilding /Community Service Teams
Calling businesses who need a different kind of teambuilding event - we have several locations with miniature horses that need your help and a fun, different kind of day of working as a team with special help by the miniature horses. Teambuilding events can be found in Austin and Williamson County. Email volunteers@minisandfriends.org to schedule your team.
Mini thanks to the Amazing people who come to volunteer and spend their afternoons with Minis and Friends at Sacred Stone Ranch this Spring. We thank you and appreciate your awesome humor and hard-working teams! A Minis and Friends Corporate Teambuilder/Community Service Project helps your company team have a great day and helps our various boarding ranches where the little horses and donkeys live - that visit in Austin on weekends mostly for free of charge bringing indescribable smiles to all they meet.
Enjoy visiting some of our recent Corporate Teambuilder/Community Service days with our Spring 2010 corporate teams from Whole Foods and Life Technologies!
More pictures on our Photo Gallery!
KEYE-TV (CBS 42) filmed a segment for "We Are Austin". The minis had a great day showing their gentle ways and visiting with the Austin Children's Shelter, a monthly visit partner!
Keep Austin Green by Green Recyling for Minis and Friends This is a simple fundraiser that helps subsidize Minis and Friends budget. Our 501(c)3 non-profit organization utilizes the FundingFactory Recycling Program to recycle collected cartridges and cell phones. The program features FREE prepaid shipping labels, online accounting, and a business component that enables companies and individuals to collect cartridges and cell phones in support of our efforts. We need you or your company to collect used cell phones and empty printer cartridges within your company to benefit Minis and Friends. Click Here for More Information
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Links
- Help the Minis
- Gift of Love
- Who We Visit
- Black Stallion Literacy Prog
- Community Report
- In The Press
- Testimonials
- Changing Times
- Mini Boot Camp
- Visit Our Blog
- Friends of Minis & Friends
- Find Us On Facebook
- Twitter with the Minis
- Our Brochure
Wise Words
Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls- they give us hope! ~ -Toni Robinson
Minis and Friends
P.O.Box 91704
Austin, TX 78709512-292-8746, mailbox 2
Coming Soon
The minis have been invited to visit at Callahan's coming in September. Callahan's donations to the little horses has greatly helped to keep most visits free.
Reading Partnership
Special Thanks To:
Rachel Wilson
Farrier - Allan Lee
The Conscious Rider - Katherine Mays
Minis - Koda, Jax, Lewis, MasterCard, Rocky, SeanMonet, Tator Tot, Tiny Tim
Black Stallion - Robin Valelutto
Visit Partners
Austin State Supported Living Center
Investors Who Inspire
Businesses Who Believe
Gateway Musicians
Home Depot (Slaughter Ln)
Pine Hill Texas (Bellville)
Donors Who Believe
Hooters (north)
Wal-Mart - Stores 1253, 2133, 5317
Hampton Inn Austin- our home away from home for Mini Boot Camp and Board mtgs.
Visit IGive.com - a shopping portal for charities and a very special way to help Minis and Friends in 2009. Shopping code is 38536 - or click on the box to go directly to a free registration page specially for us.






