Success Stories, Media Attention, and More!
This is the media and story section. Here we share and catalogue some of the great success stories we have had the joy of experiencing, here at MLHL, over the years My Little Horse Listener has been featured in numerous local and national publications, which you can find here. By the way, this section is new, so don't think these are the only success stories we have!
The Story of Carlos (Part 2)
If you remember our last instalment of Carlos’ story, you will recall how Carlos was able to gain some confidence from hanging out with Melly and even started speaking when he had refused to before. Melly has a really infectious confidence and independent spirit. However, that strong-willed attitude can sometimes go a little too far. One day, Melly was just stuck in the grip of a defiant ‘get out of my way’ kind of mood. She was stealing food from her herd mates, kicking them out of her way, and even banging on the corral gate, causing a real ruckus. Try to imagine a 350 pound toddler having tantrums! We tried all sorts of positive interventions, but couldn’t seem to make any progress. As the illustrious David Eberhardt writes in his blog, “Nature of Home”, mules are “symbols of strength, resilience, and ingenuity. For centuries, they’ve shaped human progress, carrying empires, defying harsh conditions and even advancing modern science.” Apparently Melly takes great pride in her glorious historical legacy, because she would not listen to anything us lowly humans had to say to her. That is, until a certain someone had an idea. You see, Carlos is very young, but there is a certain peace and serenity about him, in which there is great wisdom. After so many unsuccessful attempts to calm her down, we had become discouraged. That was when Carlos, with his characteristic calmness, suggested something none of us ever would have considered. One day he asked us if he could play some music for her. He had been doing some research and learned that music can have a soothing effect on animals. It was a very interesting idea. However, we did not have much hope and we prepared him for disappointment. So Carlos trotted up with his phone, raised it to Melly’s ear, and started to play classical music. We were happy to see Carlos taking some initiative, but we looked on with skepticism. Suddenly, her eyes began to soften. She calmed down completely and continued listening to the music with Carlos until the end of the session, her eyes glowing the whole time. We were astounded and overjoyed! Did it last? Yes, it did! We fed all the equines their evening meal shortly after Carlos departed. Instead of kicking her dinner companions out of her way, this time Melly peacefully shared a meal with her herd mates. We could tell you all about the science and research behind music soothing animals, which Carlos uncovered for us, but what we think is most cool about this story is that it shows how Carlos and Melly learn from one another. Carlos was the shy one who learned how to be more confident from Melly, and Carlos repaid her by being the calm one who knew just the thing to dial her in and sooth her rambunctious nature. It’s beautiful; a real amazing symbiotic relationship! We were so excited by this development that we actually purchased an outdoor stereo system. We haven’t told Carlos yet, but the next step might be to dance with Melly!

The Story of Carlos (Part 1)
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! Each time he returned he brought with him a bag of apples and he had just a little more spring in his step. On the fourth visit, we saw Carlos speaking softly, and with a look of great sincerity, made eye contact with each of the equines. In a funny twist of fate Carlos settled on the most rambunctious, noisy, and mischievous of our equines: Melly the mini mule. Carlos may have decided to ignore the adults in his life, but there was no ignoring Melly! From that day on, taking Melly as his example, Carl has come further and further out of his shell. It has been such a joy to see him growing in confidence, right in front of our eyes. It seems like magic sometimes, seeing what these equines are capable of eliciting in us. They really have an X factor, a je ne se quois, that is unmatched in the animal kingdom, and any kingdom for that matter! It’s witnessing these kinds of changes that really keep us going! Our approach to a silent young person is fourfold. Firstly, we don’t pressure anyone with a barrage of questions requiring answers and we don’t promise instant results. These things take time! We’re not magicians and we leave our egos at the barn door. Secondly, we do not concern ourselves with the why and how of what led the young person into the silent world they have found themselves in. We take people as they are and move forward one step at a time. The horses taught us that. Thirdly, we understand that there is a lot going on in the young person’s mind and so we don’t want to interfere with their complex mental processes. Instead, we give them an avenue to direct their thoughts towards someone who shares in their silence. We allow space for the equines to discern what is going on under the surface and to relate to that in their silent, peaceful, and non judgmental way –– that is the X factor. As for Carlos, stay TUNED for our next story to find out about his amazing discovery that absolutely floored us, and why we just emphasized the word TUNE… If you or someone you love has become withdrawn don’t wait! Give us a call and set up an appointment. Our number is 505 469 1285. Melly, Hotdog, Thor, and Serafina are all eager to meet you. And remember, we support adults too!

Richard Eeds Radio Show
Listen and find our more about what we do, why we do it, and we'll discuss the progress on our new accessible Learning Park! Click here to listen online!

NAMI Santa fe Public Information Talk
Watch this video of our founder, Liz Delfs, as she speaks about My Little Horse Listener's programs and the benefits of working with mini equines during a free Public Information Talk with NAMI Santa Fe (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on June 13, 2023.
Santa Fe Pet Chat
Listen to our founder, Liz Delfs speak about My Little Horse Listener's programs on Santa Fe's Pet Chat Radio Show with hosts Murad Kirdar of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, and Bobbi Heller of Felines and Friends on January 14, 2023. Click here to listen online!

Albuquerque Journal
"Miniature-equine therapy center in Cerrillos delights visiting kids".
December 10, 2022. Click here to read this article online. Watch the video below.
Santa Fe New Mexican
"My Little Horse Listener brings deaf kids, horses together".
December 8, 2022. Click here to read this article online.
Tumble Weeds
"Small Horses Help Struggling Readers and Shy Kids".
December 21, 2017. Click here to read this article online.


Miniature Horse World
"A Read-aloud Literacy Program for Children and Mini Horses"
October 2016 (v. 32, no. 6), page 22. Click here to read this article online.


The New Mexican
"Reading without pressure: Miniature horses help children practice".
October 19 2016. Click here to read this article online.


Pearson LearnED
"How Two Miniature Horses Are Helping Tackle One Big Learning Issue In New Mexico"
October 13 2016. Click here to read this article online.


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