Tioga County resident, Dale Corbin, was both surprised and thrilled when her mini horse, Kali, showed signs of giving birth at any moment. Going back several months it was thought that Kali was just putting on a little extra weight in her later years.
Yet, surprise! Kali was pregnant, and on June 5 delivered a foal named Sassy Buttercup, or simply, Sassy.
“It was the best day here in years,” remarked the owners of G & B Farms, Gary and Barbara Hellmers, along with Corbin and Ron Wheeland.
Sassy is the first foal to be born at G & B, which is a family-owned and operated farm, located on the Taylor Farms property at 255 Glen Mary Dr. in Owego. G & B, in their fourth year, leases land from Taylor’s, and are comprised of Gary (the G), Barbara (the B), and daughter, Sarah (the ampersand). Also helping out at the farm is Little Bear, a black mini schnauzer.
To add to the excitement, Ellie, another mini horse, gave birth in July to a foal named Sebastian.
It’s definitely quadruple the fun now!
Corbin and Wheeland said both Sassy and Sebastian have grown into their own distinct personalities. The mini horses also have special features, too, such as Sebastian, who has one brown eye and one blue eye.
Corbin and Wheeland spend time daily caring for the horses, Kali, Ellie and Sassy, along with Sebastian, owned by another individual. Many days, they explained, it’s easy to pull up a chair and hang out for hours offering attention, while in return getting love and affection from the horses. Kali and Ellie used to be housed on other farms, but for Corbin and Wheeland, moving to G & B last fall was fitting for many reasons, and one being the shorter distance they have to travel.
Treats are always welcome, too. The mini horses enjoy carrots, but particularly like mint candies, and are quick to pick up on the rustling noise of a candy wrapper.
Kali and Ellie, experienced therapy horses, have quite a fan club at local nursing centers and other organizations. The horses have regularly visited Riverview and Elderwood, and have stopped in at the Nichols Library, too, among other places.
“The name Sassy Buttercup came from residents at Elderwood,” Corbin said.
Corbin and Wheeland look forward to taking Sassy out soon, possibly as early as September. Once Sassy gets required shots, the little lass will giddy-up alongside Kalie and Ellie to offer love and affection to the community. Often times, mini horses are just what the doctor ordered for comfort, hope and healing to people in need.
Corbin and Wheeland have volunteered in the community for many years by donating their time to several organizations. It is their goal to continue sharing mini-horse therapy benefits to others.
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