|
|||||||||||||
Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
All the little horses on view this Saturday
Nancy Wheeler is passionate about horses. She came from a horse family, has always loved horses and grew up with ponies. But, she admits, "I don't ride."With her youngest now a teenager, and an avid horsewoman, Wheeler has finally arrived at a time and place in her life where she can put her passion out to pasture— literally with 16 miniature horses including one donkey and one mule.
"I am very blessed," said Wheeler as she gazed across the fence to several of her minis who were peacefully grazing. Choosing to focus on miniature horses was the perfect answer for Wheeler. "They aren't so big," laughed Wheeler, "I can handle them and they're learning with me as I learn more and more about them."
Wheeler is an advocate for not breeding. "I'm more concerned about giving them a home," she said. Each of her little horses has their own story. Some have been adopted. Others bought at auctions. And others have been given to her to avoid being sent to a slaughterhouse. Dobbie is her smallest. Sam is her stallion. Prissy is 5-years-old and her eldest.
And the list goes on. Now, Wheeler would like to share her knowledge and love of miniature horses with others. To that end, she has scheduled an open house this Saturday inviting the public to see for themselves the beauty of these little beasts. "These guys are so loving, they are so easy to work with and play with," said Wheeler who shudders at the thought of abuse to animals and especially to children. "We're at maximum capacity, I can't take anymore," added Wheeler — but she does look forward to sharing those that she has.
Wheeler hopes that young people will learn to love and learn from these four-footed friends as much as she has. "They have personalities just like we do," smiled Wheeler. "They are very forgiving."
Cavallini de Amore
"Love of Miniature Horses."
Open house from 9 a.m. to noon
Brandy Manor Farm
15763 Auburn Road in Culpeper.
Meet miniature horses and learn how we use them in our program. Club forming for ages 9-17. Adult and teen volunteer opportunities. Admission is free but donations gladly accepted.
Cavallini di Amore is a 501(c)3 nonprofit association.
Contact Nancy Wheeler at (540) 727-2885.
You must be logged in to post a comment.