Ollie the Miniature Horse is showing Indian Lake Elementary students how to embrace what makes them unique.
Ollie and his owner, Jolene Buchenroth of Hardin County, recently presented Ollie’s story to ILES second graders. Buchenroth told the students that when Ollie came to her farm, he felt ashamed because he is much smaller and looks different from her other full-sized horses, cattle and donkeys. To feel more accepted Ollie pretended to be a cow, Buchenroth explained. The students helped the mini-horse put on his costume including a spotted cape, cowbell, and ears. But they learned that the costume did not make the other animals believe Ollie was a cow, so he decided to take all that off and just be himself.
Buchenroth told students Ollie made lots of friends in the barn, “Even though he isn't as big or as fast as the other horses, it's ok! The other animals accept Ollie the way he is."
Guidance Counselor Jill Onyema also shared with students a book on acceptance called "You're Different and That's Super" by author Carson Kressley about a colt who does not look the same as the other horses. Onyema said, “You should be proud to be different and be your own person. Furthermore, we should always be kind to others who are different from us.”
Ollie’s visit is part of an ongoing effort to prevent bullying at Indian Lake Elementary. His visit is sponsored by Gathering Grounds.