Tender Little Hearts strives to promote and encourage safe practices and set standards for miniature equine-facilitated activities and therapies, so educators and medical and therapy professionals can have peace of mind and confidence in the equine therapy teams they partner with for their equine facilitated activities.

The primary goal at Tender Little Hearts is to unite miniature therapy teams with these professionals through, education, collaboration and awareness. Tender Little Hearts knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. We are raising the bar for miniature equine facilitated activities and therapies!

Our therapy animals are qualified through the Miniature Equine Therapy Standards Association (METSA), American Miniature Therapy Horse Organization (AMTHA) and registered as therapy animals with Register My Service Animal.

​ We are registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission and approved as a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the IRS, tax ID number 83-4236909.​​  All donations are tax deductible. 

Meet our Qualified and Registered Therapy Family

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Private Maserati

​Maserati (Mazy) is a registered miniature horse.  He is 14 years old and our newest therapy horse. Mazy had an early career as a show horse and was an International Reserve Champion in the color division.  He is a gorgeous liver chestnut and has an amazing flaxen colored mane, forelock and tail.  Mazy excels as a therapy horse with his extra calm nature. He makes a unique connection to those most in need of comfort or nurturing.  He also likes to read along with children who come to read him a story.

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Nachos Poquito Doll

Dolly is a registered miniature horse. She is 5 years old and a brave little therapy mare who wants nothing more than to be your friend and be loved. Her color is called a silver dappled Gruella and she has lovely blue eyes. Dolly adores being groomed and pampered with bows in her mane and loves her sparkly shoes. Dolly was also a show horse in her youth and still loves to prance in parades.  She is a cuddly hugger and an engaging therapy horse. Dolly is also a very patient listener and loves to have stories read to her. 

            Bet Your Blue Boone

Boone is a registered miniature Sicilian donkey. She is 9 years old. Donkeys are a highly intelligent animal, despite a popular misconception of them being stubborn (well, maybe she is just a little). While Boone may be small, she is mighty sweet in personality and full of love. As a therapy donkey, she is a favorite amongst our home visitors as she quickly engages for attention and scratches.  Come meet Boone and perhaps read The Wonky Donkey or the Dinkey Donky to her.

Boone is also very popular at the Trailheads of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Boone is a Pathfinder Ambassador and helps visitors choose the best trails for hikers, bikers and horse riders.