Thanks to this fall’s member survey, Breed Promotions for the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., and the American Miniature Horse Registry has collected some amazing stories it can share to further promote how wonderful small equine are.
Meet Hankering Hannahs Shoe Button, also known as “Buttons” and his owners, Tony and Leslie Cunningham of TLC Miniature Horse Farm in Paris, TX.
Once upon a time, Leslie Cunningham bred and trained full-sized Appaloosa horses. Unfortunately, there came a time when she could no longer physically handle big horses.
According to Tony, Leslie fell into a state of depression after initially giving up her equine work. In the hope of lifting her spirits, Tony convinced her to go look at a Miniature Horse.
Enter Buttons. Upon meeting this four-month-old stallion, Leslie was immediately smitten, and Buttons soon found a home with the Cunninghams. Working with Buttons led Leslie to think of other people like her whose age, health or other concerns had forced them out of their relationships with horses.
From there, it wasn’t a far leap for Leslie to realize there were many people who had never had a relationship with a horse at all.
As a result of these realizations, Leslie and Buttons embarked on a mission that would allow this small equine ambassador to touch the lives of countless individuals. Leslie first reached out to nursing homes, asking permission to bring Buttons in to visit residents.
Soon, the duo expanded their partnership to include schools and community organizations such as Scouts. Leslie and Buttons also reached out to the physically and mentally handicapped, many of whom had never experienced the joy of horses in any fashion.
Over the years, Buttons and Leslie have touched hundreds, perhaps thousands, of elderly, disadvantaged, underprivileged and handicapped individuals.
In just one twelve-month period, Buttons visited more than three dozen care facilities, homes, groups and gatherings. In these visits, Buttons has brought a tremendous amount of happiness to countless individuals.
One of Buttons's success stories is the young girl who had balance issues caused by the multiple strokes she suffered at birth. Throughout her young life, the girl experienced many embarrassing falls and injuries. At the age of four, this girl met Buttons and began riding him a few minutes a couple of times a week.
Soon, her balance improved and her falls became less frequent. Her parents and doctors give much of the credit for her improvement to her work with Buttons.
In another instance, Buttons rejuvenated an elderly woman confined to a nursing home. The woman had been moved to the facility against her wishes and had become completely unresponsive. However, Buttons soon changed that.
After months of not speaking and being force fed, this resident immediately responded to Buttons, and she talked non-stop about her own horses for nearly an hour as she stroked and loved Buttons. Facility staff members have reported that this lady is happy for weeks after each time Buttons visits.
Undertaking such a large number of outreaches is a daunting task. The Cunninghams wrote: “Many people have asked why we devote so much time taking Buttons and our other horses to charity events, nursing homes, etc.
The easiest answer is there are many rewards in life more important than money, and to see a nursing home resident’s face when Buttons comes through their door is an unforgettable experience. To see the delight on a handicapped child’s face as they ride him is beyond description, but it’s felt in deepest part of your heart.”
Buttons has experienced personal rewards himself. In addition to the countless smiles, hugs and pats he has received over the years, Buttons was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame for his courageous charitable work.
The efforts of Buttons and Leslie don’t stop with the individuals they have helped and influenced or the rewards they themselves have received.
Because of his work, Buttons has garnered a wide variety of media attention as well, including everything from articles in print to segments on local television stations. This coverage helps spread the good news about small equine including their wonderful nature and extreme versatility … giving Breed Promotion another wonderful ambassador sharing the good news about Miniature Horses.
For more information about the ASPC, AMHR, any of its programs or the versatility of its small equine breeds, visit http://www.shetlandminiature.com