My Little Horse Listener

My Little Horse Listener No-Cost Equine Facilitated Learning provided by certified staff and trained equines. In short - they provide comfort.

Living peacefully in the quietly beautiful hills above Santa Fe New Mexico, Thor, Hot Dog, Serafina and Ms. Melly teach children and families about the unique rewards that come from earning the trust of a miniature equine. Small in stature but big of heart, quietly wise and mysteriously perceptive of who we are and what we need, our little herd is continuously and carefully trained to welcome and

develop safe and healthy relationships with humans of all sizes who have experienced a heavy burden of stress in their lives. Reach out to us at 505-469-1285, or send an email to [email protected], and we'll begin to explore how this unique experience may hold the promise of happier moments for you, your children, or your clients.

"Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense that is in the world."(photos courtesy of the Santa Fe...
01/31/2025

"Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense that is in the world."

(photos courtesy of the Santa Fe Children's Museum)

The call came from a parent whose voice reflected their concern: “My son barely talks to anyone anymore. Can your horses...
01/26/2025

The call came from a parent whose voice reflected their concern: “My son barely talks to anyone anymore. Can your horses help? He does love animals.”

We get calls like this several times a year, from mental health professionals, teachers, and parents alike.

We never promise to have all the answers or solutions. We just say, “Maybe the horses can help. Come and see!”

The boy in question, we’ll call him Carlos, came to the ranch about a week later. Our first glimpse of Carlos was a defiant adolescent exiting his parents’ car, doing a great job of hiding his enthusiasm. He grunted a brief greeting and, despite himself, turned his attention to the curious mini equines who were straining up against their corral, eager to meet a new friend.

We encouraged Carlos to take his time and mingle with the herd in order to see which of our equines he felt most connected with. Most kids make a decision quite quickly, but Carlos was
discerning. In his cautious, tentative way he approached every equine, who surrounded him like he was their king. A big smile spread across his face. Our hopes rose! We now knew - Carlos would likely come back!

Read the rest of Carlos’ story at mylittlehorselistener.org/stories

(Pictured: Melly the Mini Mule)

In the animal kingdom, there is no greater love than this––that a dog should lay down its life for its friends. Fortunat...
12/21/2024

In the animal kingdom, there is no greater love than this––that a dog should lay down its life for its friends.

Fortunately, it will never have to come to that. The mountain lions which roam the hills around here are in search of easy meals, and the sight of burly and attentive livestock guardians like Sherlock and Mr. Holmes should keep them at bay.

While these big boys might be a little scary on the outside, they are gentle puppies on the inside and get along very well with all the equines, adults, and children who come to visit the ranch. They are very smart and very well trained (thanks to the good people at The Ewe Crew Homestead) and it is remarkable how well they are able to discern what is dangerous and what is not.

Being big dogs, they eat a lot. I mean, a lot, so if you have some change to spare this holiday season please donate. We need all the help we can get! As always, we thank our cherished supporters for their generous donations which keep our dogs and our equines bellies full!

To learn more or to donate visit mylittlehorselistener.org

Ever wonder how miniature horses came to be?Miniature horses originated in Europe where drawings of them have been found...
12/20/2024

Ever wonder how miniature horses came to be?

Miniature horses originated in Europe where drawings of them have been found as early as the late 1700s.

However, different varieties of them were developed in a number of places. For example, the Falabella was developed in Argentina in the mid 1800s by Patrick Newtall. When he died, he passed on the herding and breeding methods to his son-in-law Juan Falabella. Juan created additional bloodlines including the Shetland pony, Welsh pony, and small Thoroughbreds.

In contrast, miniature donkeys exist not as a result of human breeding methods, but instead as a subspecies of donkey called the miniature mediterranean donkey, hailing from the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily. In medieval times, due to their unique size, they were employed to turn grinding stones for grain INSIDE of peasant’s houses.

Just like full size mules, mini-mules are the result of breeding between a mini horse and a mini donkey. Mules are typically bred from a mother horse and a father donkey. Our mini mule Mellie is one such example (and a model example at that).

Nowadays, miniature horses, mules, and donkeys are employed for a variety of purposes. They are very popular in horse shows, and some, like us here at MLHL, rely on them for therapeutic purposes, others enjoy having their minis drive small carts and buggies, and they have even been trained to work as guide horses for blind people. At My Little Horse Listener, we specifically employ our minis for therapeutic purposes, not only because they’re awesome but because we primarily work with children and the larger equines can be intimidating for little kids.

However they came about, we are overjoyed that they exist. Long live mini equines!

(Pictured: Thor –– looking majestic)

To learn more about mini-equines and the great work they do or to send a donation visit mylittlehorselistener.org

Hot Dog and Thor are very excited to meet kiddos at the Children's Museum!
12/04/2024

Hot Dog and Thor are very excited to meet kiddos at the Children's Museum!

🌱Join us TOMORROW at 10:30AM for our Seeds & Sprouts program where kids will dive into hands-on gardening, environmental science, nutrition, and nature-themed activities that will spark their curiosity year-round! 🌳

🐴We’re thrilled to welcome the amazing team from My Little Horse Listener to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum! 🎉 Join us for a magical morning where little ones will connect with gentle horses, learn about kindness, and explore the power of communication through play and interaction. 🐎💛

Don't miss this unique experience which is designed to nurture curiosity, compassion, and creativity. 🌟

Photo Credit: mylittlehorselistener.com

Say Hi to Sherlock and Mr. Holmes - 11 month old sweet brothers by day, fierce night watchmen when the sun sets. Sacrifi...
11/28/2024

Say Hi to Sherlock and Mr. Holmes - 11 month old sweet brothers by day, fierce night watchmen when the sun sets. Sacrificing their lives to protect their herd is embedded in 2,000 years of DNA. The cuddling behavior is on us - we love it, and they've earned it! Haven't seen coyotes or lions since their first day on the job. Everyone at My Little Horse Listener is very grateful for these dogs! (Well, almost everyone. The mule hasn't read the memo yet...)

Our friends and family members from Punching Out Parkinson's recently visited My Little Horse Listener. It was an amazin...
10/15/2024

Our friends and family members from Punching Out Parkinson's recently visited My Little Horse Listener. It was an amazing day! They explored the accessible Equine Learning Park, met the horses and learned about our programs. With clarity and affection, some of our guests recalled horses they knew and loved long ago.

Punching Out Parkinson’s is a great organization that helps people with Parkinson’s move, get active, and have fun in an environment tailored to their needs. If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s go to https://punchingoutparkinsons.org/ for more information.

We always love to connect with other great people and organizations in the community. If you or your organization wants to come to the ranch, meet some awesome equines and enjoy our Learning Park, look for My Little Horse LIstener on Facebook and send us a message or contact us through our website at https://www.mylittlehorselistener.com/

If you would like to support the work we do in the community and help us reach more children in need, please consider making a donation to My Little Horse Listener today.

https://www.mylittlehorselistener.com/donate

Thanks, KOB TV 4 in ABQ for showing viewers that blind kids as young as three can start living the life they want at My ...
09/26/2024

Thanks, KOB TV 4 in ABQ for showing viewers that blind kids as young as three can start living the life they want at My Little Horse Listener! And, if you are curious about what an accessible equine learning park looks like, this clip from today's morning news show did a pretty good job of featuring it.

Mini-horses can be teachers for people with disabilities and those dealing with trauma, one local nonprofit is showing at their ranch.

Thrilled to welcome pre-schoolers from the New Mexico School for the Blind this week. The horses were perfect hosts and ...
09/26/2024

Thrilled to welcome pre-schoolers from the New Mexico School for the Blind this week. The horses were perfect hosts and the little ones had a fantastic time. We did too!

Horses are great teachers for children at My Little Horse Listener.

Meet our new employees - Sherlock and Mr. Holmes, aka The Brothers Grimm. Their mission: Protect everyone - horses, dogs...
09/16/2024

Meet our new employees - Sherlock and Mr. Holmes, aka The Brothers Grimm. Their mission: Protect everyone - horses, dogs, and humans - from lethal predators. Just 10 days into the job and wow! We are in love with their loyalty, commitment and uncanny ability to discern the safe from the dangerous. Welcome to the Team, Gentle Giants!

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ANNOUNCING FALL '24 SESSIONS of our beloved My Mini Mentor Program! Know someone ages 9-15 who wants to connect with a d...
08/19/2024

ANNOUNCING FALL '24 SESSIONS of our beloved My Mini Mentor Program! Know someone ages 9-15 who wants to connect with a different kind of mentor? Thor, HotDog, Serafina and Melly are pros at resolving conflicts, building trust, clear communication, setting boundaries and much more. It's called Horse Wisdom and they are loaded with it! Enrolling now. After school and weekend sessions in our new disability-friendly Learning Park. No Cost! Watch the video, call us at 505-469-1285, or email [email protected]. (p.s. Please share this post!)

Beyond the healing horse hype - Watch and listen to real stories from brave kids willing to open their hearts and share what horses did for them. Find out wh...

08/04/2024

Send a message to learn more

Shy Serafina's assertiveness training is finally working!
07/18/2024

Shy Serafina's assertiveness training is finally working!

Dear Friends and Supporters,We are asking for your help in funding the cost of building a structure that will protect ou...
07/15/2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are asking for your help in funding the cost of building a structure that will protect our vulnerable equines from the arrival of a recent and ongoing threat to their well-being. Mountain lions, who typically prefer deer, have acquired a taste for equines they can take down i.e., foals and, more than likely, miniature equines such as ours. We appreciate your support at this critical time.

My name is Liz Delfs and I've spent 8 years building My Littl… Elizabeth Delfs needs your support for Help Protect Miniature Therapy Equines from Mountain Lions

06/25/2024
Thank you, Santa Fe media personality Richard Eeds for inviting us on your show. Take a listen as Executive Director Liz...
06/25/2024

Thank you, Santa Fe media personality Richard Eeds for inviting us on your show. Take a listen as Executive Director Liz Delfs talks about what we do, for who, and why we do not charge for sessions.

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Santa Fe, NM
87506

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+15054691285

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Videos

She likes it! She really likes it! Serafina the miniature donkey takes her first steps into Serafina's Spa, her namesake shelter and grooming area. And we think we know what the most interesting accessory is.... Serafina is a very cautious, calculated equine. But one of our participants has gained her trust, and was the first to treat Serafina to a bit of pampering in a still under-construction Learning Park.

You Go, Girl! Blindness is no obstacle for this toddler
You Go, Girl! Blindness is no obstacle for this toddler

You Go Little Girl! A very special moment at My Little Horse Listener this weekend. A blind three-year old meets her first miniature horse. Encircled by caring adults and a mini equine named Hot Dog, a very special visitor came by My Little Horse Listener to learn about and spend time with our mini horses and mini donkey, exploring and absorbing the experience in her own way. We captured the moment where our visitor saddled up with words of encouragement from her grandparents and a little extra boost from volunteer Brianna.

Snakes not welcome in Equine Learning Center! #minihorselife #miniaturehorse #farmlife #newmexico

The Learning Park is coming to life! Have a behind the scenes look at one of the park’s newest constructions: Serafina’s Spa! Serafina’s Spa is on its way to becoming a reality! It is designed to be a comfortable respite for participants and equines to shelter from the elements and spiff themselves up! This is an inclusive space and one of the many exciting features of My Little Horse Listener’s newest expansion: the Learning Park. Follow for more updates. #miniaturehorses

Someone's training for the Cerrillos Donkey Race! (Why jump over when you can go around and let your coach jump for you??)

This kid's a fast one, but I'm a HORSE!!

Little Horses, Big Fun! Just rolling around in snowy New Mexico!!

Journey Montessori Community Service Program at My Little Horse Listener
Journey Montessori Community Service Program at My Little Horse Listener

Journey Montessori and My Little Horse Listener team up for an outdoor learning experience that benefits all involved -- equines and children! Program lead Lara explains how interacting with animals can teach the students responsibility and self-awareness, and the students share their stories, their experiences, and their favorite equines!

Reading Quest and My Little Horse Listener Make Magic for Young Local Readers
Reading Quest and My Little Horse Listener Make Magic for Young Local Readers

My Little Horse Listener visits young readers at Reading Quest's summer camp, Reading is Magic. Rayna Dineen, founder of Reading Quest, talks about the importance of the association of reading with fun for these budding Santa Fe readers, and how programs like My Little Horse Listener are helping to bring literacy and joy into the lives of the local youth.

My Little Horse Listener through the eyes of Founder and Executive Director Liz Delfs
My Little Horse Listener through the eyes of Founder and Executive Director Liz Delfs

Founder and director Liz Daigle Delfs explains My Little Horse Listener, her inspiration, the programs, and its new directions!

Izzy thinks reading to horses is more fun than reading in school
Izzy thinks reading to horses is more fun than reading in school

Izzy tells us why she loves reading to our miniature equines and what makes My Little Horse Listener a positive and reinforcing literary experience.

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Our Story

Living peacefully in the quietly beautiful hills above Santa Fe New Mexico, Thor, Hot Dog, Serafina and Melly are the heart of our program. Hundreds of children have visited our ranch, books clutched in small hands, eager to make a new friend. The success of the initial reading program inspired us to create a second program that we call ‘Helping Hooves’ for children and adolescents who are experiencing painful change and loss in their lives and can benefit from a structured series of interactions with our listeners over a period of time. One of the many mysteries of life is how and why children in distress can obtain comfort from spending time in quiet play, teaching a horse to respond to simple commands such as “Hug Me”, grooming or simply whispering to a furry companion who is smaller than the child. We have witnessed some truly remarkable moments and have gradually learned that it Thor, Hot Dog, Serafina and Melly who gravitate towards the child who needs them the most.

Kindness and helping are a two-way street; children gain exposure to these wonderful animals and learn about the keen intelligence, sensitivity and warmth that are the hallmark of well-loved equines. Like everyone, horses, donkeys and mules do well when they have a meaningful purpose in life.

Our programs are entirely supported by donations. We do not charge families, although children are encouraged to bring apples and carrots as a reward for a good listener!

Children interact with the listeners in the carefully designed corral and barn where the equines are most comfortable. Upon request and with advance notice, we provide site visits to schools and community centers.