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Little horses steal hearts, show at diversity lunch presentation

ITD employees, including some who brought their children, barely got through the auditorium door before a pair of miniature horses named Levi and Sophie stole hearts at Wednesday’s diversity brown-bag lunch presentation.

The little equine marvels, barely one yard tall at the shoulders, just have a way of getting to people, explained Laurie Bell, who runs Mini Joys Inc. with her husband Ken. The two operate Mini Joys as a charitable organization promoting "joy, hope and healing" by compassionate miniature horses to those facing physical, mental or emotional challenges.

Bell describes their effort as “mini-horses healing many hearts.”

The Bells’ organization concentrates outreach efforts on special education students and at-risk youth, supporting community non-profits, helping individuals and families facing medical challenges and bringing smiles to the faces of seniors in retirement and assisted-living homes.

In special-education settings, the horses are used as tools to help teachers reach students.

“Trust is important to a horse and some people, too,” Bell said. “The horses help teach traits of being trustworthy.”

“The kids see us working with the horses and building trust. In return, the kids learn to trust us more,” Ken added.

“There’s just a lot of connection going on.”

For now, the Mini Joys’ herd comprises three miniature horses - Levi, Sophie and Spunky - and one miniature Mediterranean mule, “with some big horses we try to ride,” Bell said.

The mule, named Hope, is the newest addition to the group and helps teach lessons about being ”wonderfully made.”

“With her long ears, spindly mane and tail, and her obnoxiously loud ‘hee-haw,’ it doesn’t take long to see how Hope doesn’t really fit in. But as she discovers that she is wonderfully made, we hope that each student will as well,” states the Mini Joys’ website at http://minijoys.wix.com/mini-joys.

Hope and the other minis are subjects of a children’s book “Wonderfully Made, the Story of Hope.” For now, copies of the book are available at D&B Supply stores on Glenwood in Boise, and in Meridian. Copies also may be purchased by contacting Mini Joys Inc. at http://minijoys.wix.com/mini-joys. All proceeds from book sales benefit the Mini Joys’ outreach activities.

Mini Joys is a 501c-3 charitable organization that can always use donations or extra help. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and complete some training with the little horses.

Photos: Stylish footwear for Sophie serves a purpose by helping the little horse stay upright on slick tile floors (top). Ken Bell attends to Levi (middle). Afterward, some of the more than 35 people who attended the presentation took time to meet the minis up close (bottom).