Since February, mini-horse duo Mystical and Pearl have become beloved local celebrities in Clark County, bringing joy to hundreds during their visits to schools, libraries and senior centers.
The pint-sized pair, owned by Clark County resident Patty Butterfield, have attended more than 10 events so far. Butterfield, who has owned Mystical for eight years, said that mini horses, not to be confused with ponies, are gentle and sociable.
“I [didn’t] know what I was getting into because I always had full-size horses … I like them way better than full-size horses. They’re more personable. You wouldn’t get a full-size horse to just jump at random. They like to please,” Butterfield said.
Butterfield bought Mystical from a La Center breeder and added Pearl to the family three years ago. Mystical, trained in “in-hand” horse jumping, once competed at miniature horse shows with Butterfield’s grandkids. Now retired from competition, Mystical has found a new calling with Pearl as they embark on community adventures.
The duo’s journey began in February when the Washougal Library reached out to their breeder, looking for miniature horses to feature at a “read to a horse” event for kids. Butterfield later agreed to bring Mystical and Pearl, expecting a small gathering. The event became a hit among locals, however.
“It turned more into a ‘meet the minis’ [event] because everyone was so excited. I think they said 150 people came to that, which is crazy because it’s so small,” Butterfield said.
After that first library visit, Mystical and Pearl’s popularity skyrocketed. They were invited to several more library events, including the grand opening of Woodland’s new library on Oct. 12, where they mingled with delighted kids and families. They’ve also visited the Washington State School for the Blind and have become regulars at local senior centers.
Butterfield noted seniors, in particular, have taken to the gentle pair. She said Mystical and Pearl’s calm natures make them ideal for connecting with elderly residents, many of whom reminisce about their days on farms. Butterfield recounted a moving moment at Mallard Landing Assisted Living in Battle Ground.
“And I think the one that actually got me the most is [when] a lady saw Mystical, she held onto his nose and started sobbing because she was raised on a farm. It just was great watching all these people lighten up,” Butterfield said. “And then after they get done, you know, they’re just smiling, they’re in a good mood. They want to know if we can come back, and it just touched my heart.”
With her daughter, Rose Thuringer, Butterfield often dresses the mini horses for events, where they agreeably don costumes to match the occasion. At a recent Nature Day event at Columbia Springs, Mystical stole the show as “Count Mystical” the vampire, while Pearl dazzled guests with her “Spider Princess” dress.
While Mystical is particularly mellow, Pearl has earned a reputation for being the more spirited “princess,” still learning her manners. She’s also making friends of her own, especially at the School for the Blind, where she bonded with Stevie Ray, a blind rescue cat.
“He was so sick when they got him, his eyes had to be removed. I guess he smells [Pearl], but she sees Stevie Ray. We can’t keep them away,” Butterfield said.
Readers can follow the pair’s adventures on Instagram at @mystical_and_pearl_mini_horses.
