Little Hooves with Heart, a nonprofit based in Columbia, brought three miniature horses—Scout, Cisco, and Willow—to Tuolumne County Public Health to celebrate Staff Appreciation Day and National Therapy Animal Day. Founded in 2021 by Sandra Mangrum, who also works at the health department, the organization aims to highlight the therapeutic benefits of these animals. The horses, weighing between 160 to 220 pounds, are descendants of those bred for mining work and are known for their friendly demeanor, which brings joy to those who interact with them.
During the visit, county staff enjoyed spending time with the horses, who were allowed to roam and munch on grass. Employees expressed how the horses uplifted their spirits, with one staff member describing them as a “shot of those little happy hormones.” Mangrum and her team also take the horses to the Mother Lode Regional Juvenile Detention Facility to provide comfort and companionship to incarcerated youth, emphasizing the positive impact of animal interaction.
The miniature horses are rescue animals, rehabilitated by another nonprofit, Angels for Minis. Mangrum founded Little Hooves with Heart in memory of her son, James, who experienced the joy of animal visits during his battle with cancer. The organization seeks to continue this legacy by offering therapeutic experiences with animals to others in need. For more information or to support the nonprofit, interested individuals can reach out via email or phone.
