Frankie’s friends sanctuary
The Ruff Project’s First Horse & Goat Rescue
When we received the call about a group of starving and neglected miniature horses and a goat, we knew we couldn’t turn away. With our past horse experience, there was no hesitation—these animals needed help, and they needed it now. Within just 72 hours, we had a team assembled to feed, trailer, build a safe new home, and provide everything they needed to start healing.
Their story is not an easy one to read, but it’s one that deserves to be told. These four souls endured months of starvation and neglect after their owner abandoned them. What was once a small-scale breeding operation turned into a heartbreaking scene of survival. There were originally four miniature horses and one goat, but one stallion didn’t make it—he tragically died from starvation before we arrived.
Now, the survivors—Misty, Copper, Breyer, Cody Dean and Franco—are safe and deeply loved!
We’re in urgent need of donations to continue caring for our animals and rescuing more in need. Every dollar helps us provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for dogs who have nowhere else to go.
Your support truly saves lives — please consider donating today so we can keep making a difference!
Misty
Misty is the definition of a gentle soul. This sweet 7–8-year-old miniature horse is incredibly mellow, easygoing, and content to take life one day at a time. She has a calm, steady presence that brings peace to everyone around her, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with her kind eyes and trusting nature.
Despite the hardships she has faced, Misty has remained remarkably sweet and affectionate. She is halter-broke, easy to handle, and enjoys spending time with her people. She never asks for much—just a little love, a comfortable place to rest, and the company of those she trusts.
Misty has devoted much of her life to being a mother. She has had six foals over the years. Tragically, two did not survive, two were sold, and two remain by her side: Copper and Breyer. On February 23, 2026, Misty welcomed her newest foal, the adorable Cody Dean, into the world. Watching her care for him has been a beautiful reminder of what an exceptional mother she is. Patient, protective, and nurturing, Misty has poured her heart into every one of her babies.
Her calm, motherly spirit has become the heart of our sanctuary. Whether she’s quietly grazing, standing patiently while Cody races circles around her, or simply enjoying the sunshine, Misty carries herself with a quiet grace that makes everyone feel at ease.
Misty and Cody will remain in our care until he is safely weaned and has received the foundational training every young horse needs. Until then, we are grateful for every day we get to spend with this wonderful mare. Misty’s story is one of resilience, devotion, and unconditional love, and we are honored to give her the safe and happy future she deserves.
Copper
Copper is a stunning 2½-year-old chestnut gelding who is discovering what love, kindness, and proper care feel like for the first time.
When Copper arrived, he had never been handled, groomed, or properly fed. Everything about the human world was unfamiliar to him. Through patience, consistency, and gentle care, he has slowly begun to build trust and show his sweet personality.
Since coming into rescue, Copper has been fully vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, gelded, had his hooves professionally trimmed, and received dental care, including having his teeth floated and necessary extractions completed.
Copper can still be a little shy about being haltered, but a few treats and kind words quickly help him feel more comfortable. Over the past several months, he has blossomed into a sensitive, affectionate young horse who enjoys nose kisses, neck scratches, and spending time with the people he trusts. He also has a not-so-secret love for spinach leaves and blueberries.
Copper is naturally a bit anxious, as the world is still a big and sometimes scary place to him. But once he forms a bond, he looks to his person for reassurance and safety. When Copper trusts you, he trusts you completely.
Breyer
Breyer is a sweet, curious little guy with a heart full of hope and a personality that shines. Named after the Breyer model horse because he looks just like a little horse doll come to life, Breyer is spunky, affectionate, and always keeps us laughing.
He reminds us so much of a silly toddler—constantly testing boundaries, getting himself into harmless mischief, and approaching life with endless curiosity and enthusiasm. His playful spirit and goofy antics make him impossible not to love. Whether he’s investigating something new, making up his own games, or simply trying to see what he can get away with, Breyer always keeps us on our toes.
The transformation we’ve seen in him has been incredible. When he first arrived, Breyer was nearly impossible to touch and unsure of people. Today, he has become one of the most trusting and easygoing minis in the herd. He’s the kind of horse you can put a hat on for a photo, take on new adventures, or ask to try something unfamiliar, and he’ll happily give it his best effort. In fact, he was the first of the youngsters to learn to drive and absolutely amazed us with how naturally he took to it.
Breyer has found the perfect balance between confidence and kindness. He’s still got that spunky, slightly reckless streak that makes him so entertaining, but he also has an easygoing, go-with-the-flow attitude that allows him to adapt to new situations with remarkable ease. He’s brave, willing, funny, and full of personality—a truly special little horse whose future is incredibly bright.
Every day Breyer continues to grow into the kind of mini horse that captures hearts wherever he goes, and we feel lucky to be part of his journey.
Franco
Franco is the heart and soul behind Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary. In fact, this sanctuary was named in his honor—a testament to the profound impact this special little goat has had on all of us.
As the wise and gentle elder of our herd, Franco has a way of touching everyone he meets. With his calm demeanor, kind eyes, and sweet personality, he has become an ambassador for the animals we rescue and a reminder of why this work matters. He has taught us that every animal, regardless of age, health, or circumstance, deserves love, dignity, and a safe place to call home.
Today, Franco is living his best hospice life. He has terminal cancer and has recently begun losing his vision, but he continues to greet each day with quiet grace and resilience. While his body may be slowing down, his spirit remains as gentle and loving as ever.
His days are filled with the comforts he enjoys most—goat granola, beet pulp, minerals, and plenty of special treats served throughout the day. You’ll often find him relaxing in the sunshine, surrounded by his animal friends and the people who love him. Every effort is made to ensure he remains comfortable, happy, and cherished as he navigates this chapter of his life.
Though Franco is not available for adoption, he is one of the most important residents of our sanctuary. His journey inspired the creation of Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary, and his legacy will continue to shape our mission for years to come. We are honored to provide him with the love, comfort, and care he deserves, and we treasure every day we get to spend with this remarkable little goat.
Franco reminds us that rescue isn’t only about saving lives—it’s also about honoring them.
Cody Dean
Born on February 23, 2026, Cody Dean may be small, but he has a personality that is larger than life. This sweet little guy is full of confidence, curiosity, and charm. Cody is a true spitfire who seems convinced he’s a racehorse, often taking off at full speed to do laps around his mama just for fun.
Every day, Cody continues to grow, learn, and explore the world around him. We are working with him daily to help him become a well-rounded mini horse, building the foundation of skills, confidence, and manners that will set him up for success throughout his life.
With his playful spirit, lovable personality, and endless energy, Cody Dean keeps us smiling every single day. We can’t wait to watch this special little guy grow up!
Breyer’s health requires ongoing care for a molar root infection, and he may need surgery in the future, but with patience and love, he continues to thrive. This little miniature horse is ready for a home that can support his needs while cherishing his joyful, spirited personality.
🐴 Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary – Adoption Requirements
At The Ruff Project, our mission is to ensure every miniature horse we rescue is placed in a safe, loving, and knowledgeable forever home. Many of our minis have come from neglectful or unsafe situations, and we are dedicated to making sure they never experience that again.
We take the adoption of our minis very seriously and carefully screen each applicant to find the best match for both the horse and adopter.
❤️ Basic Care Commitments
Adopters must agree to the following lifelong care standards:
Hoof care every 6 weeks
Dental exams and maintenance every 6 months (or as prescribed by your veterinarian)
Daily feeding, cleaning, and exercise
Return the horse to Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary if you can no longer care for them — rehoming on your own is not permitted
🐴 Housing & Companionship Requirements
Miniature horses are herd animals and cannot live alone.
If you do not already have another mini, you’ll need to adopt a pair.
Bonded minis must be adopted together.
Minis are not adopted out as companions to full-sized horses, as they can be easily injured.
You must also provide:
Safe, secure housing with shelter from the elements and protection from predators
A clean environment with fresh water available at all times
A stall of at least 24×24 feet with daily turnout access
Proper fencing (no barbed wire)
An emergency evacuation plan
🧡 Adopter Qualifications
To be eligible to adopt, you must:
Be 21 years or older
Have prior horse-keeping experience (mini or full-size)
Have a steady income and financial ability to provide ongoing care
Typical care costs range from $300–$500 per month per mini
Emergency care (such as colic) can reach several thousand dollars
Reside in Southern California (home checks required)
Agree to random barn checks by The Mini Project
Understand that adopted minis:
May not be bred
May not be ridden, even by small children
If your circumstances ever change, Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary will always welcome your mini back and assist with transport back to the sanctuary.
🩺 All Adoptable Minis Receive:
Every mini offered for adoption has received full veterinary care and is healthy in both body and mind. This includes:
Comprehensive veterinary exam
Rhino/Flu vaccination
EEE/WEE/Tetanus/West Nile vaccination
Deworming
Recent hoof care
Teeth floating and X-rays
Gelding (for males)
🐾 Adoption vs. Sponsorship
Some of our minis will remain in sanctuary care due to age, health, or special needs. Those horses are available for sponsorship, helping us cover the costs of their ongoing care, food, and medical needs. Only minis that are fully rehabilitated and ready for a new beginning will be listed as available for adoption.
At Frankie’s Friends Sanctuary, we’re not just finding homes — we’re building forever partnerships.
If you believe you can provide the love, care, and stability one of our minis deserves, please fill out our adoption application and start your journey today. 💕