Betty the mini-therapy horse is real!

Many of the characters in my stories are loosely based on real people. I try to keep the essence of the person or creature while adapting them to the world of romance. Betty, as well as her owner Joanna, appear in book 7 of the Barrington Billionaire series: Reluctantly Alpha.

I met Joanna and her mini therapy horse, Betty, at a local barn we both board at. Joanna’s experience with Betty, as well as her other rescue horses, inspired me to also rescue a horse from a kill lot. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a supportive community of horsemen and women.

And, Betty—well, she knows she’s destined for the big screen. It’s just a matter of time.

Betty "Betty Boop" is a 34" tall miniature horse who was saved from a kill pen by Home at Last Rescue and given a new chance at life in Fall of 2018. Despite never having been loved by humans before, some kind people wanted to save her and give her a better life.

Betty’s family found her online and was immediately drawn to her because she looked like a miniature version of her big sister Annie the Thoroughbred (also a rescue). They went through the process of adopting her and bringing her home to Rhode Island with big dreams in mind: Betty was going to change lives by visiting people all over New England and showing how special the love of an animal can be.

Betty became an officially Registered Therapy Horse in June 2019 and has already brought many smiles to the New England area and beyond. Betty currently visits nursing homes, hospitals, schools and anywhere else that may need some smiles. She is also in the process of joining a national campaign against bullying.

Any donations are greatly appreciated and go directly towards Betty's care and the expenses of visiting the community. We are completely volunteer-run and not for profit. Please see below for Sponsorship Opportunities.

To find out more about Betty

and her incredible journey from kill-lot to therapy horse visit

Betty Bitty