We are sad to report that the mom of our little Rae passed (along with her foal) yesterday.  Think of this what you will…….but it gives us pause to think.

I want to share this story with you because I believe it reflects a powerful bond beyond our understanding. Each morning I work with our minis, who are always loving & responsive. I was surprised yesterday when our little Rae was exceptionally more animated and a bit headstrong. I attributed it to “spring in the air”.
Laura visited the minis in the afternoon to do some training with two of our volunteers. She phoned as she was heading home to tell me that Rae was behaving quite unusually,,,,jumping and rearing on the lead line…with no intent to hurt but just to let her know that something was causing him some upset.
When I read your FB post last evening my heart stopped. Could it be that our little two year old Luna Rae sensed his Mother’s loss? Odd, I agree but I am a firm believer that there is more to this life and our understanding than we may ever know.

I’ll give My little Rae some extra tender time today.

One of the most special things about Merciful Minis is being able to bring joy to seniors with the help of my mom, Eloise.  A senior in age but not disposition, she enjoys visiting with the minis and bringing happiness to others.  She is a blessing to our organization.

Spring Training for the Mercifuls , March 2018

Francis Field in New Lenox was the site of our Spring Training for the Merciful Minis. We had a wonderful turnout of volunteers, young and old(er) attend the workshop in preparation for our 2018 Mini Tour.

Volunteers helped our mini two year olds become familiar with the sights and sounds they may experience at the upcoming Homer Fest Parade on June 23.

Rae and Hawk trotted throughout the building filled with music, balloons, scooters, chairs, umbrellas and tons of kids! We were so proud of our little minis…they were not at all concerned about the madness surrounding them.

Thank you to all who were able to attend  the training session. Look soon for our upcoming schedule of visits for the 2018 year.

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Following a year of work, determination, growth, and heartache at the loss of our sweet, beautiful Molly, Merciful Minis continues to enjoy the love of working with a team of inquisitive, kind hearted miniature horses bred at Shades of Blue Ranch and destined to win the hearts all of with their kind eyes, lovely spirit, and willingness to learn the skills needed to be tiny Masters of Goodwill in their therapy work.

As we enter a new year, our awesome team of volunteers continues to help our minis fine tune their social skills in preparation for our visits to those less abled and in need of a bit of mini joy.

Our two year old colts, Hawk and Luna Rae, are quick to learn and continue to provide hours of amusement as they romp and tumble during play time before they are asked to walk side by side as perfect little gentlemen while on lead learning the skills needed to be confident and well behaved therapy horses in a variety of settings.

Kind, gentle Mercy represents the heart and soul of the Falabella breed. Always patient, willing and affectionate, Mercy quickly learned to accept a saddle and young rider, demonstrating a keen sense of responsibility as she carried little equestrians preparing to someday join our Merciful Mini volunteer team.

In numerous ways we have been blessed in this journey of providing therapy visits to hundreds of people last year. We have developed lasting friendships and met many remarkable people. Most significantly we are still in awe at the amazing ability of a tiny miniature horse  to connect with others in such a loving , kind manner.

God bless and guide our Merciful Minis as we pursue our dream of helping others.

Our two boys joined Mrs. Claus at the Homer Glen Library for a reading of the book, A Rocking Horse Christmas.  Our boys, Hawk and Rey dressed in antlers for the occasion.  As always our volunteers were great.

August 18th was our triumphant return to the chapel Providence. Young and old greeted us as we visited to lots of smiles and happiness.

A warm September morning was so welcoming when we returned to Smith Village.  Merciful Minis enjoyed a return visit to beautiful Smith Village in Chicago’s lovely Beverly neighborhood. Many residents greeted the Minis with heartwarming smiles as they recalled past experiences in their youth with animals they have loved ❤️Our Merciful Minis Handler Teams love their one on one time with all we visit. Handlers introduce each mini, talking about the Falabella breed, the origin and care needed to ensure the health and well being of each individual animal. In turn, seniors recall fond memories of their favored pets , sometimes returning to a past time where they are back in their childhood farm surrounded by family and those they have loved and then lost in times’ passing.  Molly tried on a stylish new cap….we may need to get her one.

A brief reflection on this journey.  Can’t believe that it will be a year next month since our FIRST VISIT.

Our Story

Following the loss of our beautiful Bay Companion, the idea of continuing to bring joy into the lives of others thru a unique partnership with horses evolved into the beginning of Merciful Minis Therapy Horses.

The goal of the “Mercifuls” is to improve the emotional and physical well-being of others through the interaction of miniature therapy horses. To this date, we have visited the sick, the elderly, Veterans’ organizations, and summer camps for those less abled. Our volunteers and horses have completed coursework and then were evaluated by Pet Partners International, a world- wide therapy animal organization.

 As a non- profit organization we are extremely grateful for donations to support the physical care of the animals, expenses incurred to transport our team to and from each visit, and the maintenance of our aging truck and trailer. We hope in the future to broaden our base of those we are able to visit as our core of volunteers and additional resources increase.

Thank you for your support of the Merciful Minis!  

Merciful Minis have been busy.  Another return trip Saturday, September 9th to Lexington. The Merciful Minis visited beautiful Lexington Rehab in Elmhurst. They stopped to visit each in attendance, accepting an outreach of love and affection from more than twenty seniors including a special stop at the outside gazebo.