Small Blessings Retreat & Animal Ministry
The Small Blessings Team
Meet Mari
Mari Lalana is a certified Life Coach, Reiki Master and Equine Guided Facilitator whose transformative work unfolds amidst the serene beauty of Small Blessings Retreat. With an affinity for animals, Mari has devoted her life to nurturing their well-being. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery, immersing herself in the world of animal communication and energy work. Discovering a profound sense of joy in gentleness and honouring the sentience and spirit of all beings, Mari has created a sanctuary - a haven of peace and connection - where healing becomes a tangible reality for all species.
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Join Mari in her little slice of heaven as she unveils the extraordinary possibilities that lie within the realms of equine-guided wellness, learning and coaching. Get to know her sentient partners here.
Meet The Herd & Flock
Our animal companions came to us through various means, each with a unique story to be told.
Some of their backgrounds tell of hardships they overcame, of their resiliency,
and their will to continue to be joyful and in the moment in spite of their story.
Others have known only joy.
Which is exactly what makes them all such excellent teachers.
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The Littles
Three Miniature Horses & three Miniature Donkeys bless our space with their charm, healing energy, wisdom and wit.
Faith (Faith in YOU)
The leader. She is naughty, rebellious, bossy and sassy. But, oh, so on point when it comes to the work! She leads the others to where they need to be. She is our youngest and tiniest member.
Miniature Horses
Hope (High Hope)
The unicorn. Shy and elusive like one, she is the most sensitive to people's needs and will step forward where needed. She is our oldest and wisest member.
Grace (Amazing Grace)
The beauty. She is solid and true, faithful to the end, and a lover of humans in spite of her past. She changes colours with the seasons teaching us that beauty is found around every turn.
Miniature Donkeys
Pacci (Dona Nobis Pacem)
The largest. Her name is Latin for Grant Us Peace. She has lots to teach. Little was known of their background and Pacci had trust issues, so watching her come out of her shell and be so eager to do the work has been such a gift for us all.
Fernanda (Bold Journey)
The empath. In tune with human emotions, she i s usually first to check things out. Chocolate in colour and just as sweet, she will offer any part of herself for a scratch and if you're not paying attention, she might try to sit on your lap!
Burrito (Benicio Del Burro)
The comic. His name means Blessings from the Donkey! His gentle, quiet, peaceful ways remind us all to stay calm and hold back on judgement. If he could speak we are sure his motto would be "The truth shall set you free!". Also, "Where's the cookie?"
The Chickens
Our hens, ten lovely ladies, all different breeds, all loving healers and teachers.
Vinnie's Ladies
Vinnie
Vinnie is a Silkie Leghorn mix who takes his job very seriously. His role is to save the ladies from predators and protect them from harm. He did this once quite dramatically attacking a coyote who was after his girls, almost losing his own life.
Follow his adventures on his own FB page @vinniethecoyoteslayer