In December 2002, Tara set out to find the perfect miniature horse to further her desire to become involved with animal therapy. She looked at several prospects, but only one captured her heart. Sure Lightening wasn’t the most attractive little guy under a ton of hair & with bad feet, but there was something very special about him. With a haircut & some TLC, the newly nicknamed “Leo” hit the show circuit, quite successfully, for valuable training & exposure to different surroundings.
Tara heard about National Inclusion Project (NIP) through a friend. After researching she realized that their goal to include children of all abilities in programs together was a mission she wanted to help with. Not knowing how to get started with Leo, she contacted NIP. The first person that offered advice was Frances Skinner-Lewis. Tara offered to volunteer with Leo at any future NIP events out on the West Coast. Fran encouraged her not to wait. She was incredibly supportive and inspired them to work hard & follow their dreams. In April of 2004, Stampede Of Love was created by Tara & Mary Needham.
Leo’s therapy career officially began with a trip to Mulberry Learning Center in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. In July 2004, Stampede Of Love joined forces with NIP for Kid City in Pasadena, CA. They raised the money on their own to donate and enable NIP to expand their booth for the event allowing Leo room to visit thousands of children. Since then they’ve participated in numerous activities from William Shatner’s Hollywood Charity Horse Show to Duke University Children’s Hospital events. Leo’s paintings have been donated to several Fundraisers across the country.
With that said, Stampede Of Love is always willing to lend helping hooves wherever they can. Tara spends a lot of time researching events & offers our Minature horses to volunteer at events that focus on their mission. Although they are not a money making group, with most of their travel & insurance expenses coming out of their own pockets, they strive to be rich in memories and smiles to last a lifetime. Stampede Of Love is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, and depends on donations to continue our adventures.