{"id":13858,"date":"2022-11-30T15:48:15","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T20:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/?p=13858"},"modified":"2022-11-30T15:48:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T20:48:16","slug":"minnie-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/minnie-horse\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnie to the Max! CVM\u2019s Beloved Mini Horse Is a Big Red Star"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Saved by Cornell vets, the wee critter has become a campus celebrity\u2014and an equine \u2018nurse\u2019 to nervous patients<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Beth Saulnier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the many dignitaries at the 2017 inauguration of President Martha Pollack was an unofficial ambassador from one of Cornell\u2019s colleges. Though petite in stature and unassuming by nature, this quiet charmer couldn\u2019t help drawing the eye, sparking wonder and inspiring smiles from everyone she met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her official name: Cinnamon Sprinkle. But in honor of her effervescent personality, she\u2019s known as Cinnamon Sparkle<\/em>. Most people just call her Minnie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And she is, indeed, mini: a miniature horse, standing about 28 inches at the withers (shoulders) and weighing some 220 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Students
Snapping selfies on the Arts Quad.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beloved by all, 21-year-old Minnie is a resident animal at the College of Veterinary Medicine\u2019s Equine Hospital<\/a>, where she has spent the past decade comforting patients in need of calming and companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But she has also become the college\u2019s tiniest and most adorable ambassador\u2014gracing its holiday cards, appearing at events like Homecoming and the annual Vet open house, and effortlessly improving the mood of anyone fortunate enough to pet her silky mane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe exemplifies how much joy animals bring to our lives,\u201d says Sarah Bassman, a marketing and communications assistant at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals whose affinity for horses in general, and Minnie in particular, has made her the wee celebrity\u2019s chief handler and press rep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t look at her and not<\/em> feel love and happiness. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re here\u2014for animal wellbeing and human wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sarah
Strolling with Bassman outside the Equine Hospital.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On a balmy day in late October, Bassman takes Minnie for a jaunt around campus for a photo shoot, leading her with a rope and halter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asked who\u2019s in charge when they commute by foot and hoof, Bassman replies: \u201cIt\u2019s a negotiation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yes, it\u2019s slow going\u2014both because Minnie is always eager to dine on grass, and because people constantly want to pet her, take a selfie, or ask questions. (Usually, all three.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She exemplifies how much joy animals bring to our lives.<\/p>Sarah Bassman<\/strong>, Minnie’s wrangler and beautician<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As befits a star, Minnie is blinged out for the occasion in Big Red style: her hooves have been painted with glitter polish, and her mane and tail sport ribbons that Bassman has expertly plaited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The many students, faculty, and staff who admire her as she ambles from CVM to the Arts Quad and back are even rewarded with a collector\u2019s item: an oval sticker emblazoned with her photo and \u201cI met Minnie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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