At The Unicorn Initiative, every animal has a story, a personality, and a special kind of magic to share. From our gentle unicorn ambassadors and curious goats to our playful pigs, donkeys, horses, bunnies, and other barnyard friends, each member of our herd helps us cultivate kindness, compassion, confidence, and connection through meaningful experiences with animals. We can’t wait for you to meet the hearts behind the magic.

***Photos and more stories coming soon! Plus an opportunity to sponsor your favorite animal! *under construction

Meet the Horses

Tilly has lived many lives throughout her 20 years, but she is finally home. While much of her history is unknown, we do know she once spent her younger years as a barrel racing horse, has raised foals, and carries the physical scars and wear of a hard-working past.

When Danielle brought Tilly to Todd Acres, she had been turned out in a large, lush retirement pasture by well-meaning owners unfamiliar with the special needs of horses. Unfortunately, the rich grass caused her to founder, beginning an ongoing journey of carefully managing her hoof health and comfort. Through attentive care, balance, and patience, Tilly continues to thrive barefoot and comfortably in her new life.

Tilly is one of the most emotionally sensitive and intuitive horses at the farm. When she chooses to connect with someone, it creates a truly special bond. Her fast-paced competition days are behind her now, and instead she spends her time helping create gentle, meaningful experiences for others — often giving children their very first horse ride as our full-size “unicorn.”

She especially loves liberty work and has a remarkable ability to connect with her human partners through trust and communication. There is simply something special about Tilly — not only with people, but with other horses as well. Nearly every horse who has come through Todd Acres has been naturally drawn to her calm and grounding presence.

Gracie is a 27-year-old Gypsy Vanner with a calm presence and a gentle heart. While much of her early history is unknown, she spent several years working as a therapeutic riding horse before coming to Todd Acres.

These days, Gracie enjoys a slower pace of life filled with daily grooming, attention, and time with her friends. Though mostly retired, she still spends 1–2 days each week helping introduce young riders to the basics of horsemanship and building confidence through groundwork and connection-based activities.

Patient, steady, and kind, Gracie continues to make an impact simply by being herself.

Diamond is a beautiful little pony who spent much of her early life being passed from trainer to trainer as a “flipper pony,” with people focused more on quick results than building trust and understanding. Too many things were pushed onto her instead of taught with patience and partnership, leaving her highly sensitive and unsure of people.

Even after spending the last couple years at Todd Acres, Diamond still requires consistent and thoughtful handling — but she has made incredible progress through relationship-based horsemanship. While she is capable of being ridden, Diamond has made it clear that she feels happiest and most confident doing groundwork, learning tricks, and connecting with people at her own pace.

Despite her past, Diamond has remained curious, willing, and sweet. She especially enjoys grooming sessions and has formed wonderful connections with many of the children at the farm. Watching her slowly rebuild confidence and trust has been a meaningful reminder of how much healing can happen through patience, consistency, and kindness.

ADOPTED!

Stardust Legacy, affectionately known as “Star,” was born during the peak of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower — created by debris from the famous Halley’s Comet — making his name feel especially fitting from the very beginning.

Born at Todd Acres on May 6, 2025, Star has spent his entire life surrounded by kindness, children, animals, and daily positive interaction. Curious, friendly, and full of personality, he has already formed a special bond with his best friend and mentor, Dewey the miniature “unicorn.”

As he grows, Star is beginning his journey toward becoming a future therapy and outreach horse, learning how to confidently connect with people while carrying on the calm, gentle spirit that makes Dewey so loved. We are excited to watch Star grow and see the many joyful moments he will help create for others in the years ahead.

Twinkle

Twinkle is a sweet Shetland pony mare whose story is one of patience, healing, and second chances. When she first arrived at Todd Acres, she was underweight, under-socialized, and struggling with severe chronic fecal water syndrome that had left her uncomfortable and unable to move normally. Terrified of baths and human handling, Twinkle needed months of gentle care, consistency, and trust-building. Danielle spent countless days carefully giving her sponge baths and helping her regain both her health and confidence.

Shortly after arriving, it was discovered that Twinkle was also expecting a foal. On May 6, 2025, she welcomed her colt, “Little Star,” into the world.

Today, Twinkle enjoys life with her little pony herd, happily soaking up attention and grooming sessions — something she once feared. She now helps teach children in our horsemanship classes, showing them the importance of patience, kindness, and learning to earn an animal’s trust.

Teddy, lovingly known as “Teddy Bear,” is a Shetland pony with a huge personality and an even bigger heart. Friendly, curious, and incredibly people-oriented, Teddy is usually the first pony to walk over and say hello to visitors at the farm.

About 10 years ago, Teddy was part of a seizure involving neglected farm animals after property owners were arrested. He was later adopted by an Arabian horse breeder for her granddaughter, who loved showing him in 4-H. As the granddaughter grew older and moved on to larger horses, Teddy no longer quite fit life at the breeding farm. Wanting the best possible future for him, his owner began searching for a home where he could continue being loved and appreciated — which eventually led him to Todd Acres.

Today, Teddy spends his days much like Twinkle: helping with horsemanship classes, interacting with children, and soaking up attention from everyone he meets. Gentle, expressive, and endlessly affectionate, Teddy has become one of the most adored members of the herd.