Airbnb recently introduced Animal Experiences. Since each experience has to follow strict guidelines created by an animal protection agency, you can enjoy your time without worrying that you are jeopardizing the animals’ welfare.
I was so excited to see this offering and immediately entered by zip code to see if there were any nearby. I found a Hands-on Experience with Magical Miniature Horses in New Hampshire and knew it would the perfect activity for Lizzie’s upcoming birthday.
When we arrived, our host Cindy offered us fresh pumpkin bread while we had a quick orientation. She led us out to the herd of 17 miniature horses, the tallest of which is about 34 inches.
To be honest, I didn’t know there was a difference between mini ponies and mini horses. While miniature ponies can look really disproportionate, mini horses look like a stallion was hit with a shrink ray. It is hard to tell just how little they are until a person is standing next to them.
Lizzie, being as tiny as she is, was so happy to see her favorite animal that was just her size. She would walk straight up to each horse and just hug them.
Cindy is the Director of the Northeast Miniature Horse Rescue, an adoption agency that assures loving lifetime homes for unwanted minis. She has worked with equines for almost 50 years so is very experienced and knowledgeable.
We wandered their field and Lizzie fell in love over and over again with each horse she met. We had such a warm fall day and the foliage was just beautiful.
Cindy haltered a very docile horse called Twinkle and we brought her into the barn. The kids learned how to use a curry comb to groom her.
Since we were celebrating Lizzie’s third birthday, Cindy took out a tiara and wedding veil and asked Lizzie if she wanted to dress Twinkle up. She was so excited and Twinkle put up with all of our silliness.
Cindy taught the kids how to lead a horse and get them to stop. Andrew loved running with Twinkle and getting her to trot. He has always been a natural with horses. Cindy was really patient with the kids, who were so overly excited and exploding with energy after being cooped up in the car.
I would totally recommend the Hands-on Experience with Magical Miniature Horses. Since this is a social impact experience, 100% of your money goes to Northeast Miniature Horse Club. That means you will be helping the rescue to feed, care for, and rehabilitate the horses in their care.
Prices start at $30 per person and the maximum group size is six. Sessions last about 1.5 hours. If you can tell by the big smiles on their faces, they had a wonderful time.
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