Residents of The Springs at Sherwood visited VFM Miniature Horse Farm, where they were introduced to DJ, a miniature horse, by Amy Hindman and members of the Mini Express 4-H Club. The seniors enjoyed petting and interacting with the horses, with one resident expressing how much she loved the experience after a long time away from horses due to a past injury.

The Mini Express 4-H Club, led by Linda and Gerald Van Fleet, offers opportunities for youths to improve their horse skills through activities like driving, obstacle courses, and showmanship. The Van Fleets have been hosting farm tours for various groups, including seniors and individuals with special needs, for several years. The therapeutic nature of horses, especially miniatures, was highlighted during the visit.

The Van Fleet family has a long history with miniature horses, with Pickle winning world championships at the American Miniature Horse Association World Championship Show. The farm has become a popular destination for groups of all ages, with visitors experiencing the social and therapeutic benefits of interacting with the miniature horses. The Mini Express 4-H Club’s presence at events like the Washington County Fair has helped raise awareness of the farm and its offerings.