The anxious children at Boys Town Nevada sat around the tiny “stable” and watched as Thumbelina, the world’s smallest horse, stared back at them.  She’d traveled a long way to make them smile.

The 17-inch horse, about the size of a cocker spaniel, walked around staring at each child with her large eyes as Michael Goessling, Thumbelina’s owner, explained Thumbelina’s feisty natured antics.  More than 50 Boys Town children and staff laughed as Goessling recalled the time that the horse took over their dog’s house and claimed it as her own. 

Thumbelina’s small size and condition should have been a stumbling block, but instead, her owners are using her size to make a difference in children’s lives. 

The tiny horse from Goose Creek Farms in Missouri has been traveling the United States to share smiles and her inspirational story with children of various shelters, hospitals and programs. Thumbelina’s goal is to raise $1 million dollars during her summer tour that lasts from May until November of this year.   

The children sat fidgeting, waiting for their moment.  Once Goessling opened the floor for questions, they could no longer hold in their excitement.

“Can we pet the horse yet?”  One of the bright eyed girls asked as her little shoulders shook in anticipation.

“Not yet,” teased Goessling.  “Are there any other questions?”  A few children asked about her eating habits and other interesting physical characteristics of Thumbelina.

“She has really big eyes!” one child pointed out.

Once the questions ended the children were all allowed to pet Thumbelina and then have lunch.  The children came up to Thumbelina one by one as she let out a tiny whinny and “posed” for the cameras. 

As the day came to an end, it was clear Thumbelina fulfilled her goal at Boys Town Nevada.  Once again, she had given children hope, letting them know that no matter how small they are, or feel, they can still do big things and change the world.