Meet Our Team

Our 4 legged friends – the Stars of our team

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Dolly

Blue Eyed Doll, "Dolly" is one of our original therapy minis. Becoming a registered therapy horse in 2013, Dolly enjoys Interacting with young and old alike. Dolly's quiet presence makes everyone she meets feel special and loved.

FOALED: 2004
SEX: Mare
BODY COLOR: Black
EYE COLOR: Blue
HEIGHT: 36"

Star

JLF's Ima Showoff, "Star", started her therapy horse journey In 2018, but immediately took to the task of bringing joy and comfort to all she encounters. Her tiny stature and good nature makes her a crowd favorite.

FOALED: April 29, 2006
SEX: Mare
BODY COLOR: Chestnut / White Pinto
EYE COLOR: Brown
HEIGHT: 30"

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Honorary Equine Members:

Dakota, our trick horse; Biscuit, Cheyenne, Sierra, Oliver, Silver and Wish

Our Human Team

Our dedicated Handlers - the Hands that lead with love

Cheryl Bryant

Owner / Handler

Cheryl has over 50 years of horse experience. Growing up in Central Virginia, the heart of horse country, Cheryl enjoyed caring for her own horses, trail riding, fox hunting, and occasionally showing hunter/jumpers.

She had her first contact with minis in 2010 and immediately fell in love with them. She began working with Dolly in 2012, and they became a registered therapy team. In 2014, Cheryl officially adopted Dolly, and acquired Star in 2018, and the 3 have enjoyed bringing smiles to all ever since.

Judith Rennyson

Retired Owner/Handler

Past President/Director of A Little Magic Judy was one of the co creators of A Little Magic and quickly took over as Director of programs. She has had several minis that she has trained over the years, including training Dakota to do various complex tricks.

Judy was an integral part of the therapy team for 12 years, promoting A Little Magic throughout many surrounding communities. She retired in 2024 and is greatly missed, but her legacy is being carried on.

Our Volunteers

Our Incredible Volunteers – Making Every Connection Meaningful

Kelley Pearson

Kelley has loved dogs and horses ever since she was a young girl.Kelley was involved with racing Thoroughbreds on the flat and in jump races for many years, and she currently cares for her 32 year old retired race horse at home.

After retiring from public education, Kelley has volunteered with A Little Magic since 2023. Kelley routinely tells people every event with "the minis" combines her love of students (and people) with her love of horses.

Kelley looks forward to meeting you soon to create "A Little Magic" synergy!

Karen Adams

Karen loves animals both large and small, from draft horses to minis and her rescue Chihuahua. She had a career with the airline industry and is currently a Real Estate agent.

Karen has volunteered with A Little Magic since 2017 and enjoys watching the children have fun and learn from our visits. Who doesn't love a mini?

MJ

MJ has been a volunteer for the Therapy Team since 2016. Her love of horses and background in childhood development and mental health make her a perfect fit for our program. She is most impressed with the emotional growth and maturity exhibited by students who participate in and graduate from the Horsemanship Program provided by A Little Magic.

Whether visiting schools, rehab or senior care facilities, she never gets tired of the excitement and smiles the miniatures bring to people's lives and to her life.

Nancy Wells

Nancy is retired, but not tired. She loves seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and experiencing the joy and self assurance gained by our students and visitors as they learn about and how to treat horses.

"I think the mini's themselves and fellow volunteers are so cool!" Nancy has been a volunteer since 2021, bringing prior horse knowledge to the group.

Nancy Cunningham

Having moved to the area in 2022, Nancy got started right away volunteering with A Little Magic, combining her passion for horses and helping others.

As a nurse by training, she's had horses and her own farm, raised 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and has raised and trained service dogs since 2004. "I love the opportunities A Little Magic provides for the community and enjoy the volunteers and people we meet."

Volunteer With Our Minis!

Would you like more information on scheduling a visit with our minis or becoming a team member? Please send us a message through the form on our contact page.