Small horses bring big smiles to Timber Creek Village

The residents of Timber Creek Village Assisted Living in Columbia Falls were treated to a pair of special visitors Saturday as two miniature horses from Dagnoli Quarter Horses brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Three-year-old Cooper and 14-year-old Spice made themselves right at home Saturday, posing for photos, accepting treats and even being ridden by several of the resident’s visiting grandchildren.

Rodeo Queen Alexandra Dagnoli, who works at Timber Creek Village, thought the pair would be a nice way to brighten the day of the facility’s residents and enlisted the help of her parents, Tischel and Doric Dagnoli, to make the event a reality.

“We wanted to give the residents something to enjoy and to look forward to. I think this is one of the best turnouts we have had for any of the events we have held for our residents,” Alexandra said. “A lot of them grew up with horses, so this lets them get back to the roots a little bit. I’m sure they will be talking about this for weeks.”

The miniature horses were originally meant to serve as therapy animals for Tischel after multiple brain surgeries left her barrel racing career in doubt, but it looks as if the pair may have a future bringing smiles to events around the area.

“This is the first time we have really taken them out into a setting like this and they have done really well. They definitely like to be around people,” Tischel said. “Everyone was so excited.”

Tishcel, who still barrel races, said the brother and sister pair of Cooper and Spice may be making their way to other events in the future.

As for the residents of Timber Creek, it was a great way to spice up a gorgeous Saturday morning.

“I really admire horses, but I have never been able to own one,” Maxine Drew said. “They are a lot of work, so I think I will stick with dogs. It was really great to have them here, though.”