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Miniature horses bless monastery
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Sister Angela scoops a tiny brown horse up into her arms and holds him on her shoulder as a mother holds her babe. She is used to him squirming and holds the furry bundle firmly while telling visitors about her babies--miniature horses raised by the Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns at their monastery near Brenham on Hwy. 105, about an hour and a half from Austin.
Sister Angela is abbess of the monastery and manages the Miniature Horse Farm, which provides monetary support for the contemplative, nonprofit religious organization. The monastery got into the business of raising minis because the former abbess, Sister Bernadette, loved animals and believed the horses could provide needed revenue. She was right.
Currently there are about 60 head on premises, including foals born in the spring. The monastery sells 12 to 15 horses a year, earning from $500 to $5000 each, depending on age, training and breeding ability. In addition, the monastery attracts 20,000 visitors annually and adds income from the gift shop and sale of horse-themed ceramics made by the nuns.
Children are especially drawn to these non-threatening horses which are just the right size for petting. They’re calm and friendly and readily accept attention from strangers. The tiny horses, smaller and more amiable than Shetland ponies, are often sold as pets, and many are used as therapy animals. Strong for their size, they can be trained to pull a small cart, so others are purchased for use in cart-driving competitions. They are easy and inexpensive to care for, compared to full-sized horses.
Each horse has its own personality but all are soft and fuzzy and curious. They enjoy companionship, and it’s impossible not to smile as they nudge their way around the corral, poking heads through the fence. This irresistible quality, combined with the novelty of a full-sized horse no bigger than a dog, has made raising these miniatures a popular and successful venture. Even more, it’s part of the spiritual journey for the nuns at St. Clare.
You can take a self-guided tour of the Miniature Horse Farm, Art Barn, Git Shop, and Monastery Chapel Tuesday through Saturday from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Admission: $4 for adults; $3 seniors; $2 children aged 3-12. The Sisters ask that the public respect their privacy for work and prayer at other times. Guided tours are available for groups by reservation. Outdoor picnic areas encourage visitors to stay awhile and enjoy the premises.
979-836-9652 www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com
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