Founded in 2012, Angels for Minis Miniature Horse Rescue is dedicated to the well-being of the truly unique miniature horse breed. Their goal is to rehabilitate abused, neglected, or unwanted miniature horses and miniature donkeys (often innocent victims of the current economy) and find them loving forever homes. The 501 c3 non-profit, which relies on the charitable works of members, sponsors, and adoptive homes, is located in Walnut Creek, California. To date, they have adopted out 642 miniature horses and miniature donkeys plus 270 various ranch animals.
“We rescue miniature horses and donkeys from some truly horrible scenarios throughout the country,” said Mary Stewart, Founder and President of the rescue’s Board of Directors. “From auctions that are attended by kill buyers who deliver livestock directly to slaughterhouses, to neglected animals that are so severely underfed that they are starving and others whose needs have been ignored for so long that their hooves are overgrown and they can barely walk. It is devastating.”
Angels for Minis provides their rescues with proper veterinary care, food and any necessary care required to help rehabilitate them. The dedicated staff and volunteers also lavish each rescue with an abundance of love, compassion and attention that sadly some have never experienced.
“Treatibles 750 mg hemp-CBD oil continues to make a significant difference for the miniature horses and donkeys in our care,” noted Mary. “From helping ease anxiety and fear to offering relief for those with joint and foot discomfort, Treatibles is an important part of the healing process.”
A majority of the minis rescued by the organization understandably have a deep-seated fear and mistrust of humans.
“For example, Shaman came to the rescue with a problem back leg that caused him a significant amount of discomfort and caused him to be a bit off-balance. We decided to use Treatibles CBD oil. Once he was taking it consistently, it really made all of the difference. Now he lives his life to the fullest with his best friend, fellow rescue, Daphne,” shared Mary.
Senior miniature horses are also feeling better than they have in years. “Knight is a senior who arrived here incredibly overweight. This caused a lot of extra pressure on his already sore joints, resulting in obvious discomfort. In order to lose the weight, daily walks were needed. However, walking was too difficult for him,” said Mary. “Having witnessed the benefit of the Treatibles hemp CBD oil in other horses, we decided to put him on it and saw a difference the very next day. While he was still a bit sore, he was much more willing to walk and could walk much farther. I am happy to report he continues to lose weight and feels better.”
Mary also shared this heartbreaking story that thankfully, has a happy ending.
“Gunner and Heidi came to us from an auction in Texas that is attended by kill buyers who take livestock directly to slaughterhouses. They were absolutely terrified of humans and in heartbreaking physical condition. Gunner had some anxiety-based aggressive tendencies when our volunteers would try to go in to work with or feed him. We decided to try Treatibles hemp CBD oil. After a couple of days, Gunner calmed down enough that his volunteer was able to sit in his stall and start the process of gaining his trust. We also started Heidi on the oil. it allowed her to relax. She actually started coming up and eating out of a grain bowl held by her volunteer. After several months of consistent care and interaction with their assigned volunteers and the Treatibles oil, they are now in their forever home and as happy as can be.”
Caring for and rehabilitating miniature horses and donkeys can be quite costly. The average expense per horse after an initial veterinary exam is between $350 – $1200.
The pandemic has greatly impacted fundraising efforts for Angels for Minis, as the organization relies heavily on events and programs to generate sponsorships and donations.
If you would like to help, please visit the Angels for Minis donation page. To learn more about this dedicated organization, minis looking for their forever home and more, please visit angelsforminis.com.