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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

 

RAINBOW

Strebor Rainbow Hawk

AMHA/AMHR  Silver Dapple and White Frame Overo with ice blue eyes

 14" at birth   Parentage Qualified

Therapy Horse Rainbow making friends with canine movie star Benji.

BENJI TEAMS WITH GENTLE CAROUSEL

Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic receiving a Literacy Award from the Alachua County Literacy Network (with Terri Hutchinson, Literacy Coordinator of Alachua County Library District and Gainesville mayor Pegeen Hanrahan) for Outstanding Contribution To Literacy.

Reading Is Magic at the Family Literacy Festival, Main Branch of the Alachua Library District.

Front page of Lake City Reporter

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

   

 

 

 

Horse of The Month : Little Rainbow

Rainbow was only 14" tall at birth (a tie for the smallest horse ever born). He is two years old now and is still very tiny, but healthy and normal in every way. He may be small but he has a big heart.

Rainbow is a member of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. He works as a therapy horse inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer patients, group homes and with patients in hospice care. He also works with adults and children with disabilities and at risk and abused children. From a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness to working as part of the treatment process inside a school for autistic children, Rainbow brings his special love where it is needed most.

Rainbow is able to walk up and down stairs, ride in elevators, walk on different floor surfaces, move around hospital equipment...and yes he is potty trained.

Rainbow spent the summer visiting libraries and at risk youth programs to promote literacy as part of Gentle Carousel's Reading Is Magic program. Rainbow will have his own book released this month featuring high frequency vocabulary words for young children.

Other highlights from Rainbow's life:

Rainbow has appeared in national magazines including a two page feature in Woman's World magazine.

Rainbow has worked with canine movie star Benji (the star of the film Benji Off The Leash) and film writer, producer, director, bestselling author and man behind the canine superstar, Joe Camp. Benji and Rainbow were filmed for a documentary.

Rainbow appeared with the stars at AARP's national convention this month with his best friend Magic. Magic, also a Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse was selected the Most Heroic Pet In America by AARP.

Rainbow accepted an outstanding contribution to literacy award from the mayor. Rainbow also worked with a police community outreach program in high crime areas of his city. He is a sweet, funny, kind little horse that has always been willing to try anything.


Read more about these amazing little horses in our interview..

In Woman's World magazine.

Rainbow at the Early Steps Fall Festival (Gainesville Sun).

Rainbow at the Family Literacy Festival (Gainesville Sun).

Social Petworking

Websites like Facebook aren't just for humans anymore

Published: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 11:33 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 11:33 a.m.

Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea work non-stop with their Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses non-profit organization. Their 30-plus miniature horses visit thousands of children and adults in schools, hospitals and hospice in Alachua, Marion and surrounding counties.

ut once they return to their High Springs home, their work isn't over. They log onto Facebook to post status updates and photos and respond to messages — all on behalf of their horse, Rainbow.

Five months ago, the couple created a profile for Rainbow, their 50-pound, white and gray horse with bright, ice blue eyes. Although Rainbow has an e-mail address, Debbie Garcia-Bengochea said Facebook is a unique way for Rainbow to communicate and keep in touch with his fans and further promote their message of reading and literacy.

"It's a lot of work keeping up with it, but it's easy to speak for him because he has such a personality and the kids love him so much," said Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, adding Rainbow will appear at library branches through the Gainesville and Ocala area as part of their Reading is Magic program. "As soon as school gets out, he'll tweet through the summer about all his events and adventures. His account will be ‘My Rainbow Heart.'"

 

Rainbow on television.

Ocala Style Magazine

Rainbow in Ocala Style Magazine

Gainesville Today Magazine

Award winning documentary filmmakers from The Imagination Company of Utah (near Sundance) came to Florida to film Rainbow and the other Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. 

Rainbow being filmed at the Ronald McDonald House.

RAINBOW IN THE MOVIES

Rainbow with Sheriff Sadie Darnell.

Rainbow is always busy bringing smiles to new friends. 

 

 

Rainbow at ROCK (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) Camp party with Florida Gator football players. 

Rainbow supporting COPS, an Alachua County Sheriff's Office community outreach program.

Rainbow in Gainesville  Magazine

 

 

 

"Rainbow"

How tiny is this baby!  Photo taken at Strebor Mini Horse Horse Ranch before Rainbow joined Gentle Carousel.

 Rainbow comes from a long line of small miniature horses including a very small mother. His grandfather is multiple World Champion Halter Stallion Sids Terminator.

Baby photos of Rainbow (he changed colors!)

 

Pedigree for Rainbow

Sire

 

GALLOPING G MAGIC MANS RED HAWK

2002 Sorrel Pinto

Sire

 

SIDS TERMINATOR

1994 30.75.5" Solid Sorrel

Multiple World Champion Halter Stallion

 

Sire

 

DIPPERS DIPSY DOODLE

1987 29.25" Sorrel Sorrel

  

Sire

BOONES LITTLE APACHE

1975 30"  Sorrel Pinto

Sire of multiple World and National iChampions

Dam

STARLIGHTS LITTLE DIPPER

191  29.75"  Solid Chestnut

Daughter of:

Sire of :

1985 National Grand Champion Senior Stallion

 Skip A Star
 
 Reserve National Grand Champion 
Stallion
 
Johnston’s Starlight Ranger 
 
National Grand Champion Junior 
Stallion, 
 
NFCs Sugar Boy
   

 For AMHR, he produced two-time National Grand Champion Stallion

 Gingerbread Farms Rapid Transit.

Granddaughter 2 times of:

GOLD MELODY BOY 

Dam

SIDS GINGER

1990 32.5" Sorrel Sorrel

 

Sire

DIPPERS DIPSY DOODLE

1987 29.25" Sorrel Sorrel

Son of:

ROAN RANGER

Grandson  of:

GOLD MELODY BOY 

Dame

JOHNSONS TINA STAR

1982 32.75"  Red Roang

Daughter of:

Granddaughter  of:

GOLD MELODY BOY 

Dam

REECES LADY HAWK

1997 29.5" Solid Sorrel

National Champion Producer

Sire

4 GS LITTLE ALFALFA PLEASURE

1992 33.75" Bay Pinto

Reserve National Champion Sire of Get

Multiple National Champion Producer

 

 

Sire

LITTLE KINGS ALFALFA PLEASE

1983 28.5" Solid Black

Multiple National Champion Producer

Son of:

KOMOKOS LITTLE KINGS SUPREME

Son of:

KOMOKOS LITTLE HUSSLER

Dame

WARWICK FARMS SWEET BAY

1986 32.25" Solid Bay

Granddaughter of:

STOUTS BLACK MAGIC

Dame

REECES ELORA DANNON

1989 32" Solid Dun

Sire

BOZO REECE

1983 33.5" Solid Dun

Damem

 REECE GRAVEL GIRTEE

1984 32" Solid Black

Dam

RSF SILVIS LITTLE RASCAL TOO

2001 27" AHMA/AMHR Fading Black Sabino Overo

Sire 

MFC SILVERADO

1994 28.5" Solid Chestnut

Sire

HEMLOCK BROOKS GEE WHIZ

1988 30.5" Grey Pinto

 

Sire

 HEMLOCK BROOKS SILVER LEDGEND

1977 27" Dapple Grey

Dam

HEMLOCK BROOKS LADY OF THE ISLES

1977 29.5" Solid Bay

Daughter of:

DELL TERAS LORD OF THE ISLES

DamDam

KOBECKES TABATHA

1988 29.25 Solid BLACK

R

Sire

KOMOKOS DUSTY DEVIL

1978 28" Solid Black

Dam

CARY ANN

1983 33.75" Solid Black

Dam Dam

STRAWBERRYS QT RASCAL

29.75"  Red Roan Appaloosa

Sire

 Unknown

 

Dam

Unknown

 

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

 

Phone: 352-226-9009

E-mail: MiniHorseTherapy@att.net

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