By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Take a visit to the Clarkston Family Farm and chances are, you’ll see your fair share of animals and get an education along the way.
These days, you’ll also get to see the aptly-named Three Amigos.
“I have loaned my mini donkey, 36 inches, to the Clarkston Family Farm,” said Independence Township resident Joette Kunse. “They have a two mini horses, so we call them the Three Amigos. They are all about the same size, the two mini horses and mini donkey. Little Man, my donkey, lost his horse friend and donkeys or horses can’t be by themselves; they are herd animals. Little Man is very smart and does well with the children. The horses and Little Man are smaller, about half the height of a child six or seven years old.
The farm’s executive director, Chelsea O’Brien, said all three animals have helped with SCAMP, Sprouts Camp, Camp Wild, and all of the many learning adventures at the farm, located at 6800 Hubbard Road.
“They are so gentle and wonderful with all of the kids, especially the students that have sensory issues,” O’Brien said. “They seem to really gravitate towards Little Man. He’s so sensitive and has ability to calm even our most anxious students. It truly is farm animal therapy and as you know, our farm prides itself in making sure that all learners, regardless of age or ability, has a safe and welcoming place here at our nonprofit educational farm for kids.”
O’Brien added that the animals, especially Little Man, the mare, Bubbles, the 20-year-old miniature horse, and Biscuit, an eight-year-old gelding miniature horse owned by Independence Township residents Andy and Megan Dirks, “all love the kids and love each other and are living their best life here at the Clarkston Family Farm.”
Former Clarkston residents Cory and Robyn Johnston built the stable area in the farm’s new horse barn, and O’Brien wanted to credit them for all they have done for the farm.

PHOTO: Little Man the donkey (middle), black and white horse Biscuit (left) and blonde mare Bubbles (right) graze at the farm. Photo: Chelsea O’Brien