What happens when a mini Highland cow shows up in a nursing home and a lady sits down at the piano to play for her? That is the kind of moment Shantell Goodenough lives for. Based in Shelley, Idaho, Shantell started Posh Mini Farm less than a year ago after a grief-stricken whim turned into a full-blown business and a lifeline. Fighting lupus and several other autoimmune conditions while mourning the loss of her father, Shantell found in her mini Highlands something no medication could give her.

This episode is warm, honest, and full of real talk about the true cost of getting started - not just financially, but in time, training, and commitment. If you've ever thought about taking your Highland to events, weddings, or care facilities, this one's for you.

Key Takeaways

The purchase price is just the beginning - feed, maintenance and training add up fast.

Halter training takes daily consistency and some animals may never be event-ready.

If you're taking your Highland to events or facilities, get proper insurance and use waivers.

Pink pool noodles on horn tips are a genius hack for working with kids.

These animals are a genuine therapy tool for owners and the people they visit.

Episode Highlights

Shantell shares how her first Highland came to her after its mother was struck by lightning — and how that became a full business in under a year.

She breaks down what it really takes to bring mini Highlands into assisted living facilities, including the potty bag reality check nobody talks about.

The team gets into wedding Highlands, cocktail hour saddle packs, and the very real risk of a cow bucking drinks across a reception.

Plus Lori's black eye story makes another appearance.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & intro to Posh Mini Farm

00:49 — How Shantell got her first Highland after lightning struck

03:35 — Building a business through grief and autoimmune illness

04:50 — How cuddle sessions and assisted living visits began

07:45 — Taking mini Highlands into care facilities and what to expect

10:47 — Animals on the farm: goats, insurance and waivers

17:00 — Cuddle and feed experiences and event pricing reality

20:41 — What new owners don't expect: true cost of ownership

23:29 — Halter training, personality and why it takes daily work

27:42 — Chondro positive and planning for size

27:42 — Weddings, saddle packs and cocktail hour Highlands

35:02 — Charging fairly for your time, travel and training

Follow Shantell at

Instagram: @poshminifarm

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shangoodenough?_r=1&_t=ZP-96hYRGQuAkp

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/