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  Magic named by TIME /CNN one of History's Ten Most Heroic Animals

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Frequently Asked Questions

  Gentle Carousel Needs Your Support

  Links To Our Sponsors

Upcoming Events

Gentle Carousel Awards and Good News

   AARP's Most Heroic Pet In America

Gentle Carousel in Magazines

On Television, Film and Radio

Gentle Carousel in Newspapers

  Meet Our Therapy Horse Team

Horse Costumes

  Movie Star Benji Teams Up With Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses

  Gentle Carousel and Martha Stewart    

               A Visit From National Geographic

Prancing With The Stars

Magic on NEWSWEEK/DAILY BEAST  Ten Most Heroic Animals

READING IS MAGIC at Schools

READING IS MAGIC Horses

READING IS MAGIC at Libraries

READING IS MAGIC Authors

  READING IS MAGIC Bringing Books To Life at Literacy Festivals

  Smallest Horses In The World

Becoming a Therapy Horse

Home Sweet Home

  Magic is a Power Of One  AMERICANTOWNS HERO

Princess Tea Parties

 Magic of Horses

 Sundance Star of Jason and Elihu

Elephants, Zebras and Gentle Carousel

Our Rescues and Therapy Friends

              Tiny Horses of Distant Thunder Ranch 

Magical Moments Fashion Show

Magic Horses Poem

Lake City Journal | Lake City, FL Therapy Dog Henry's Newspaper Column

  Holiday Memories

Contact Us

 Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.

     Your donations are tax deductible. Help us grant wishes, make memories and bring a little magic into the world.

Gentle Carousel Inc.

P.O. Box 358844

Gainesville, FL  32635

Phone: 352-226-9009

MiniHorseTherapy@att.net

  Rainbow in a huddle with two time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Phil Simms.

Hugh Jackman talks about Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses on stage during his amazing Broadway show.

 

"Keep up the wonderful work you do.  I often tell people that Lassie was the first therapy dog--the first to be allowed in hospitals more than 50 years ago!"      

Jon Provost, Appeared as Timmy Martin on Lassie

Cloudburst wins Martha Stewart's Annual Halloween Photo Contest!  Martha talked about Gentle Carousel on her website and Twitter.  Thank you Martha!

Cloudburst on People Magazine website.

"...Gentle Carousel, you are wonderful, gentle, caring people! "

Marlo Thomas,Actress, producer, best selling author, four-time Emmy winner and activist for children's causes

A photo of Peanut and Aladdin were on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and her website home page. Who doesn't love Ellen!

Canine movie star Benji working with Magic.

"What they are doing is just so incredible.  They are making a difference. These people are the real deal.  They are down there in the trenches doing it."

Joe Camp, film writer, producer, director, bestselling author and man behind canine superstar Benji.

Rainbow with THE DUKES OF HAZZARD star Tom Wopat.

Sundance reading at a Boys and Girls Club with former NFL and University of Florida  quarterback Doug Johnson for an Associated Press photo and literacy poster.

 

Gentle Carousel was selected a charity partner in Disney's volunteer program "Give a Day. Get a Day."

As Seen in:

TeaTime Magazine

"Your Reading Is Magic program and volunteers are heroes every time they walk into a school or library.  Using little miniature horses to inspire young children to read is most creative.  Congratulations on your wonderful charity, spirit and service to your community."

 William J. Bennett, Former Secretary of Education

James Gurney, Best-selling author and illustrator of the Dinotopia book series.

"Gentle Carousel...  Thank you for all of your hard work!"

Joan Lundon, Journalist, author and television host

 Magic with four-time Olympian and ten-time US Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year, Karen O'Connor.

 

Magic with David O'Connor, president of the United States Equestrian Federation, Olympic gold medalist and Pan American Games and World Equestrian Games medalist.

 

"Reading Is Magic!

Every child you inspire to read is a life forever changed. Thank you for that and for bringing books to life...It can take you from outer space to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Either way, the journey is magical.

...Wow.  Love those little horses... Great job you're doing.  I'm proud of you." 

-Homer Hickam, #1 New York Times Bestselling author and NASA engineer  

"What you have to get across is that these are highly trained horses. They go into an environment, a situation, circumstances where only a trained horse such as this can navigate himself... They seem to have an innate sense of how to go to the person they are there to comfort."

 Ilene Silverman, Executive producer and host of the The Ilene Silverman Show.

"...I think that the use of horses is wonderful for children with self-regulation and attachment issues (the classic problems with so many children in the CPS system as you are aware)...Keep up your work. With  Respect"

Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.Senior Fellow
The Child Trauma Academy 

"...I just wanted to take the opportunity to write you a letter expressing my amazement with your miracle miniature horse "Magic". As I read about all the miraculous things that have happened in her presence, I was absolutely stunned. It is amazing that despite the modern marvels of medicine and how much that field has advanced in my lifetime, that sometimes there remains an unexplained element to health and recovery that is covered by miraculous creatures like your horse..."

Senator Steve Oelrich

"Magic and Gentle Carousel, Inspiring children to read is magical. You are making a difference!"

 Chris Soentpiet, Acclaimed children's book author and illustrator (Thank you for the beautiful artwork you donated to help Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic!)

 "My own daughter, who has Down Syndrome has been touched by Magic. I have been able to see first hand what these animals can do just with my own child...This program benefits so many different population bases. They can reach the elderly, the terminally ill, children with developmental disabilities, children with needs in reading...there are just so many opportunities to reach so many people in need..."

Lance Block, Chairman for the Governor's Commission on Disabilities

"What 'Reading Is Magic' does for kids by going into schools and igniting excitement for reading a story is beyond compare.  Keep the hoof beats going."

Carl Joseph, author and Hall of Fame athlete

 

"What an honor and thrill to have Gentle Carousel's Sundance as a riveting character in JASON AND ELIHU."

Shelley Fraser Mickle, Award winning author and National Public Radio commentator  

 

Sundance smiles for a fan then kisses one of his photos in the novel JASON AND ELIHU as an autograph.

 "You have a wonderful program. Thank you for bringing joy to children... Keep reading! It is magic!"

Anna Grossnickle Hines, Author and illustrator of over 50 children's books.

"...Thank you for all the work you do...Reading is Magic!"

Linda Sue Park, Bestselling author and Newbery Medal Winner

 

Gentle Carousel on television.

.

  

 

 

Strebors Magic Carpet Ride "Aladdin"

 AMHA/AMHR  Silver Dapple Frame Sabino Overo with Two Blue Eyes

 

Aladdin makes friends with a veteran from  Easter Seals Florida at Altrusa House.

Santa's Gentle Carousel Horses at Lake City Mall
Santa's Gentle Carousel Horses at Lake City Mall
Miniature therapy horses from Gentle Carousel will be at the Lake City Mall on Tuesday, December 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Center Court. Parents are encouraged to bring their children and cameras to take pictures or videos with the lovable little horses. They are asked to make a donation to the Christian Service Center's Matching Fund Drive. Because the food pantry at the Christian Service Center is running low, guests are asked to donate non-perishable food. (Gentle Carousel photo)

Aladdin at a Reading Is Magic library program.

        

Aladdin's look-a-like storybooks for Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic program.

     

Aladdin's fans waiting to meet him at the Tower Road library.

Aladdin making new friends at Millhopper library  with Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic.


 

 

 

  

 

        Aladdin was one of the spooktacular photos selected for

 

Southern Living Magazine's Halloween Pet Parade!

 

 

Magic and Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses Talk to Equine VIP

Equine VIP visited with Magic and Debbie Garcia-Benogochea (education director) at Gentle Carousel.  Magic is a very special mini with a big heart.  Magic was chosen as the Most Heroic Pet in America by AARP Magazine.  We’ve heard of therapy dogs, but Magic is a specially trained therapy horse owned by Gentle Carousel.  Over 4000 adults and children are visited by Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses each year.
To learn more about this special horse and program read our feature in Horse Digest Magazine.

Horse Digest and Gentle Carousel feature

        

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse Visits

 

Aladdin loves to ride in the car and gets upset if he is left behind!

Aladdin's musical theatre debut!

Filming a GTN Extra feature story with GTN News Director Myra Monroe.

Aladdin visiting Early Steps children.

Lake City Journal | Lake City, FL

Tiny horses and little children perform 'Fritz and the Beautiful Horses' for Reading Is Magic program
 

Nathalie Haden (left), Kelsey Haden and Ebony Jones pet Aladdin (white horse) and Peanut after the Gentle Carousel presentation in the Main Branch of the Columbia county Public Library. (LakeCityJournal.com photo)
Nathalie Haden (left), Kelsey Haden and Ebony Jones pet Aladdin (white horse) and Peanut after the Gentle Carousel presentation in the Main Branch of the Columbia county Public Library. (LakeCityJournal.com photo)
Magic (black horse) and Aladdin show of their formal attire for the visitors and the volunteer townspeople in Fort White Community Center Friday morning. (LakeCityJournal.com photo)
Magic (black horse) and Aladdin show off their formal attire for the visitors and the volunteer townspeople in Fort White Community Center Friday morning. (LakeCityJournal.com photo)
By Karl Burkhardt


Three tiny horses, dressed in formal attire, brought a live performance of Fritz and the Beautiful Horses to standing-room-only crowds in Fort White and Lake City Friday.

Peanut, the smallest horse in the world at 21 inches tall, had the lead role, supported by Magic and Aladdin and eight children from the audiences.

Four children at each performance played the townspeople, bowing to the regally dressed Magic and Aladdin. This tiny chorus of townspeople spoke in unison.

Peanut, the horse that was not considered to be beautiful, sadly stayed outside the town.

All this changed when a hero was needed and Peanut rushed to the rescue. The cheering townspeople dressed Peanut in finery and paraded him around the audience.

A meet-the-cast party followed the performance, as soon and the little horses exchanged their acting costumes for casual dress – Hawaiian shirts.

Then it was all hugs and kisses, giggles and laughter as children lined up to greet the stars and pose for photos.

This is Gentle Carousel, a non-profit organization that takes the miniature horses to hospitals and nursing homes to bring cheer and laughter to patients – young and old – giving them and their families special moments to remember.

The program has expanded to encourage children to read with Reading Is Magic.

After each performance, the children are asked if they have library cards. Virtually all the children without library cards suddenly want one and they want to read the featured book or one from a list, Reading Is Magic Favorite Book List. Copies of the list are available at both libraries.

The performances on Friday were at the Fort White Community Center and the Main Branch of the Columbia County Public Library. Friends of the Columbia County Public Library sponsored the events.

For more information and a gallery of beautiful and inspiring photographs, visit www.ReadingIsMagic.org and www.Horse-Therapy.org

Aladdin arrives at a book signing.

Aladdin visits the Altrusa House for Halloween. 

Aladdin on the news at a program with the sheriff's office.

Aladdin met new friends from around the world at the ASTD 2011 International Conference and Expo.

 Aladdin (front), Peanut, Shadow, Banner and Comet.

Aladdin on television.

 

The Ronald McDonald House 2010

 

The Ronald McDonald House 2010

Aladdin smiling during a television interview at the Sidney Lanier School.

 

 Aladdin baby pictures!

Aladdin was a tiny but a healthy, happy normal little foal.

 

Aladdin is the son of:

LTD Magic Mans Incognito

Jet Black Frame Overo with Two Blue Eyes

 


Grand and/or Supreme in AMHA and AMHR shows
 


National Top Ten Stallion


Reserve National Champion


Futurity Class Top Ten Champion


Grand Champion Get-of-Sire

 

1997 AMHR National Champion Get of Sire Entry

 

Aladdin is the grandson of:

Magic Man of LTDS

19 Times National and Reserve National Champion

 National Grand Champion Producer

 19 National and Reserve National Titles, in 3 registries by winning the Country Pleasure Driving, Versatility, Hunter, Halter, Get of Sire, Ideal Pinto Driving and Multi-Color Classes.  To date, he and his get have earned over 140 National/Reserve National Titles and hundreds of Top Tens.


 

   

Aladdin's look-a-like sister Illusion.

 

Aladdin's Pedigree

Sire

MAGIC MANS INCOGNITO

1997 31"  AMHA/AMHR Jet Black Frame Overo with 2 Blue Eyes

Show Record:
Grand and/or Supreme in
AMHA/AMHR shows
National Top Ten Stallion
Reserve National Champion
Futurity Class Top Ten Champion
Grand Champion Get-of-Sire

 

Sire

MAGIC MAN OF LTDS

1990 32.50" Black Roan Rabicano Medicine hat Frame Overo Pinto Pinto

19 Times National and Reserve National Champion

 National Grand Champion Producer

 19 National and Reserve National Titles, in 3 registries by winning the Country Pleasure Driving, Versatility, Hunter, Halter, Get of Sire, Ideal Pinto Driving and Multi-Color Classes.  To date, he and his get have earned over 140 National/Reserve National Titles and hundreds of Top Tens.
 

Sire

 SHREDDER

1987 32" Black Pinto

Reserve National Champion Amateur Stallion/ Many Times Grand

Sire

SONRISAS HAJEL

1971 33.25" Chestnut Tovero

Sire to 5 National Champions

 

Dam

GYPSY

34.5 "

Dam

WENDY
36" White

AMHR Superior Dam

Dam of Multiple HOF's and National Champions and National Champion producing get, including LTD's Magic Man, LTD's Magical Mystery, LTD's Color Broker and LTD's Silverado

 Granddaughter of:

:

 SAMPLE 1966

 

 

Dam

DIAMOND CHARM OF LTD

1990 33"  Jet Black

Dam to Multiple National Champions

Sire

Sire

 

Dam

Dam

 

Sire

Dam

Dam

LIBERTYS SKIPS MAGIC

1997 31" Silver Black Sabino Overo (Solid White)

 

Sire

KOMOKOS LITTLE SKIPPER 

1983 29" Dapple Palomino

 

Sire

KOMOKOS BOURBON BALLS

1976 28" Solid Chestnut

Sire

KOMOKOS WHISKEY

1971 29" Solid Sorrel

Dam

TARA MOTO

1970 30" Solid Dun

Dam

KOMOKOS DAINTY DARLENE

1979 30" Solid Chestnut

 
Sire

KOMOKOS LITTLE HUSSELER

1974 26.5"Solid Dun

 Son of:

KOMOKOS KING TUT

1968 30" Solid Bay

Dam

KOMOKOS BAMBA

1973 31" Solid Palomino

Dam

LIBERTYS MAGIC SPELL

1992 32.75" Dapple Grey

Sire

KOMOKOS LITTLE SKIPPER 

1983 29" Dapple Palomino

 

Sire

KOMOKOS BURBON BALLS

1976 28" Solid Chestnut

Dam

KOMOKOS DAINTY DARLENE

1979 30" Solid Chestnut

Dam

KOMOKOS WITCHIE WITCHIE

1985 31" Solid Grey

Sire

KOMOKOS ACEY DUCEY

1981 26.5" Red Roan

Dam

KOMOKOS AMY LEE

1982 30" Solid Sorrel

 

Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.

Your donations are tax deductible.

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." ~Winston Churchill

© 2005-2012 Gentle Carousel Therapy Miniature  Horses  All rights reserved.