'Minis’ are a breed of horses and donkeys that are miniature in size. Standing not much taller than the average dog, minis are gentle, easy to handle, and love attention. The goal of Minis In Motion is to expose more people to STAR and Equine Assisted Activities by traveling with the animals to schools, rehabilitation centers or camps. Their small size and character make them easy to transport and less intimidating than the average equine.

The minis are partnered in four main program areas:

 

• Education & Academics with our Traveling Classroom
• Literacy
• Equine Assisted Therapeutic Activities
• Ambassadors – Parades, Visitations, Corporate events

EDUCATION & ACADEMICS

For children of kindergarten age or older, this program offers an equine themed traveling classroom which will offer schools, learning centers, summer camps, etc…a unique interactive educational experience in an exciting atmosphere! Children will experience hands-on learning of science, math, geography and history through the equine perspective.

 

 

LITERACY

The literacy component of Minis In Motion provides the opportunity for children to expand their reading abilities by reading to our attentive and loveable minis. Using the Ernest series by Laura Barnes, students will discover that the main character of each book, a miniature donkey, has a lot to teach about friendship, acceptance, character, and determination.

THERAPEUTIC PARTNERS

Because of their small size, our minis are perfect partners in Equine Assisted Learning activities that promote personal development and well-being. Equine Assisted Learning activities are used to enhance important life skills such as safety, teamwork, trust, respect, communication, acceptance, dependability and responsibility. Our minis can partner with children, at-risk youth, special education groups or adults to create a memorable learning experience.

AMBASSADORS

The Minis also act as ambassadors of STAR through participating in parades and making appearances at fundraising events.

 

For more information about STAR's Minis in Motion program or to make reservations, please call 865-988-4711 or click here to send an e-mail to the program coordinator.