Don’t let her tiny size fool you—Mae Mae has a heart big enough to fill the whole pasture. We adopted this pint-sized ray of sunshine from Second Chance Refuge, where she was being fostered after her previous guardians could no longer care for her. With a shocking number of horses in the U.S. ending up in kill pens, we’re endlessly grateful Mae Mae found her way to sanctuary life.

We welcomed her as a companion for Jeffrey, our fearful and sensitive mini horse, hoping she might remind him that joy is still possible. Mae Mae fit seamlessly into the herd with Jeffrey and his mother, Mama—they bonded instantly, as if she’d always been part of the family.

Mae Mae is the golden retriever of horses: affectionate, bouncy, and likely to head directly over to greet you at the gate. At under 200 pounds and barely hip-high, Mae Mae may be miniature, but she’s 100% magic. We’re so lucky to call her ours.