About Mini Horse Outreach

Our Miniature Horse Outreach Program brings the joy and therapeutic power of mini horses to our community. As an all-volunteer organization, we create special opportunities for people to interact with these gentle animals, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and gain valuable self-awareness for a better quality of life.

Black background with swirling patterns of gold dots resembling flowing particles or stardust.

Meet Our Handlers

An elderly woman with glasses smiling and holding the reins of a brown horse with a white stripe on its face, against a black background.

Elizabeth

OWNER & OPERATOR OF ROCKY RUN STABLES

Elizabeth Wilson, a retired teacher who owns and has operated Rocky Run Stables since 1987, has been involved with horses for over 50 years. She taught choral music and directed many musical theater productions at the middle, high school and college level for over thirty four years. In memory of her parents, Beth then decided to implement a miniature horse outreach program.

A woman with glasses smiling next to a light-colored miniature horse with a dark mane, wearing a pink halter with the name 'Gracie' on it.

Lisa

VOLUNTEER WITH THE MINIATURE HORSE OUTREACH PROGRAM

I am a retired elementary teacher and moved back up to the Duluth area in 2021. I started volunteering with the the Miniature Horse Outreach programs in 2022 and became a registered handler and part of the Pet Partners Outreach team with the minis from Rocky Run Ranch. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this special program!!

A woman standing next to a miniature horse in an indoor gymnasium. The pony is wearing pink sneakers, and the woman is holding a leash. The woman is smiling and the background shows a basketball hoop and gym wall.

Kathi

VOLUNTEER WITH THE MINIATURE HORSE OUTREACH PROGRAM

I am currently serving around 500 kids daily as an elementary principal and have served in education for over 35 years. Making connections with kids and families has always been my passion and priority. They often call me the “Keeper of the Kids.” When I step outside my school community, I step inside my horse community. Welcoming many horsey friends by serving for over 15 years as the president of the North Woods Dressage Association. This organization has been a great way to extend my love for horses and bring people together. Today my passion has extended to miniature horses and supporting the Pet Partner outreach program. With this opportunity I have been able to connect humans with our equine partners. I have worked closely with my mentor Beth Wilson (owner of Rocky Run Stables) and several others. Together we have created a program that brings horses, educational nurturing, and a twist of personal passion. My personal goal is to help this world be a better place for all people.

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Jessica

VOLUNTEER WITH THE MINIATURE HORSE OUTREACH PROGRAM

Jessica started working at Rocky Run Stables in 2014. She joined Beth's endeavor with the miniature horses in 2017. She has been an instructor of people and horses since 2003. In 2008 Jessica graduated from the U of M Crookston with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science. Everyone's life has value; and bringing the minis to meet so many people is Jessica's favorite part about working with the minis.

A man standing next to an old, rusty tractor with a front loader attachment, outdoors on a grassy area with trees and a fence in the background.

Pete

VOLUNTEER WITH THE MINIATURE HORSE OUTREACH PROGRAM

Pete Myhrwold is a retired chemistry and physics teacher at the high school and college levels. He retired after thirty-eight years of teaching. Pete is a fixit extraordinaire who repairs things that Beth, the boarders and the horses break. He is a creator and maintainer of farm equipment and the many trails on the farm. He comes up with creative solutions to the problems at the farm. His passions in life include fishing, canoeing, golfing, woodworking and searching for “TOE,” the “Theory Of Everything,” along with “GUT,” the “Grand Unified Theory.”