How many miniature horses do you have?
We have 7 miniature horses (or shall I say, they have us!).
How old are your horses?
Our horses currently range in age from 2 years old to 24 years old.
Where do your horses come from?
All over the United States.
Do you breed your minis?
We do not breed because there are so many minis out there that are in need of a great, loving home.
Where do the horses in the Mobile Minis family live?
The horses live with their two-legged family (Linda & John Vataha) in Sanford, Florida.
How do the horses travel to off-site visits?
We don't use the ordinary horse trailer. We converted a Ram ProMaster for the minis to travel in comfort and style! They have air condition, heat, rubber non-slip flooring, supplies of all kinds and of course...treats!
How do I schedule a visit for a mini at my location or at the barn?
You can schedule one here, email us directly at mobileminisinc@gmail.com, or call 407-474-1748. Our schedule fills up VERY quickly. We also wish we could say yes to every request, but unfortunately, we cannot as there are only so many hours in the day and so many needs to fill.
How long does an off-site visit last?
We normally try to keep our off-site visits (to your location) to approximately 45 minutes for an indoor visit. Special outdoor events can be a little longer, up to an hour and a half.
How far do you travel?
We normally try to keep our visits within a reasonable geographic range. Since we are 100% volunteer-run, our awesome volunteers meet us on location during site visit days using their own vehicles. We try to keep the travel time under 1 hour round-trip from our barn.
What if a horse has to...you know... poop?
The horses do wear horse diapers. They work most of the time. There is always a chance of a potty emergency but we are all prepared to handle it. We have clean up supplies with us at all times.
Do you go inside?
Yes, we do. Our site visit location would be a outside courtyard, parking lot, ground level of a facility or an inside lobby area close to an exit so if we need to excuse ourselves for a potty break we can get outside rather promptly.
Is there a fee to have a mini visit our location?
No, we are a 501c3 non-profit run by volunteers. There is never a charge for anything that we do.
What if we want to send a donation?
If someone feels led to donate to our Mobile Minis outreach, they can do so here or mailing in a check to Mobile Minis 315 N. Orange Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771. A thank you note and tax donation receipt will be sent out to the donor within a week for their tax records.
Can we come out to the barn?
Absolutely! Every visit is scheduled in advance. We keep our volunteer visits to no more than 6 participants. This way everyone has an awesome experience with their own mini. We have individuals, groups, school field trips, etc. come out to the barn.
What happens when I/we come out to the Mobile Minis barn to volunteer?
Everyone learns safety first and how we handle our minis, so the mini knows what is expected of them. We groom, care for, exercise and socialize with the minis, giving them lots of love! We also do about ten minutes of mini care chores which includes filling hay bags, water bucks and do a little poo scooping. It is thera-poo-tic! You never have to do anything you don't want to. Some days we will take them for a walk through then neighborhood or through a fun obstacle course. Every session involves grooming and loving our furry family.
Can we feed the minis at the barn?
Yes, after the barn volunteer session is complete everyone who wants to will have a chance to give the mini a treat. The catch...the minis will do a trick for the treat! We've even had volunteers bring snacks for the minis. We ask that if you bring carrots or apples that they are cut into small pieces to prevent choking. We love the baby carrot chips or sliced apples. They are a perfect bite size snack!
Can we ride the minis at the barn?
No, we do not ride our minis. While they can pull 2-3 times their weight, they can only hold about 50 lbs on their back. Plus, our insurance agent says our rates would be astronomical if we allowed riding.
What if I want to be a volunteer handler or helper to go out on a site visit with Mobile Minis?
That is great! You need to go through special training with Linda and her team, a handler/helper orientation and background check before doing so. It is fun, easy and free! Express your interest to us and we will make it happen!
Do I have to make any long-term commitments to volunteer with you?
No, you do not. Just one hour at a time. You control your schedule. You can sign up for as many or as few site visits or barn visits that you would like. You can also cancel at any time by taking yourself off the schedule, as we know life happens and appointments arise.
What is Mini Tales?
Mini Tales is a fun and exciting reading program to help promote literacy! Our Mini Tales events are so much fun! The session is 1 hour long. Readers read to a very interested and non-judgmental miniature horse, overseen by a volunteer in case the reader has trouble with some words. When finished everyone leaves with a backpack, bookmark and some books from our bookshelf. Again, all free of charge. We want to encourage literacy and make it fun!
Do you offer field trips to the Mobile Minis barn?
Yes we do! Students, families, seniors and homeschool groups can make an appointment to come out to the barn. Everyone will learn safety, groom and socialize with their own mini, have lots of fun and then finish with a picnic lunch before heading back to school or home. (Ages 5 & up dictated by our insurance.)