Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts: Rootbeer and Edward

Rene Townsend is a horse-lover who waited until later in her life to own them. A woman of substance, Rene spent her life in service, Loving her educational career as teacher, principal and as the first female Superintendent in San Diego County, California. She was also the first woman to represent San Diego in the California Interscholastic Federation, an organization that oversees athletics for students. She taught at various universities, was managing partner of a superintendent recruitment firm, and as Executive Director for Eduction at Price Charities. When riding her horses, Oz and then Kiefer, she felt fulfilled and at peace. After adopting Rootbeer and Edward, she realized her background as an educator could offer her miniature horses' a purposeful life. She connected with the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego where she, Rootbeer and Edward were accepted into their Pet Encounter Therapy program. The trio regularly visit residential facilities for children, alternative schools and nursing homes with only one intention ... and that is to bring smiles to the people they meet. So far they have more than accomplished their goals!

Fueled by coffee. Driven by passion. Gina Dodge is a visual artist, maker of all sorts. Her medium of choice usually falls into the realm of painting, but she is infatuated with creating anything she can get her hands on. She is a graduate of Southern Utah University with a Bachelor Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art. Gina enjoys expressing her keen sense of humor through her work, and inspiring others just by being herself.