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| Give Your Horse the Recognition It Deserves: Register with the International Unicorn Association |
Your horse brings you joy and companionship every day. Its gentle nature and intuitive understanding feel almost magical at times. So why not make it official and register your extraordinary equine as a unicorn?
The International Unicorn Association (IUA) provides a place to celebrate the mythical qualities of real-life horses. Since 2014, founder LeAnne Hosmer has encouraged horse lovers to rediscover the magic in their bonds with these amazing animals. Read on to learn more about recognizing your own unicorn and joining a community that cherishes the power of imagination.
The Founder's Story: Honoring Exceptional Horses
LeAnne Hosmer started the IUA to recognize her registered Gypsy Vanner mare, Freya. This striking horse with a medicine hat marking had worked miracles in LeAnne's life. After developing PTSD from her military service, LeAnne struggled with anxiety and depression. Caring for Freya gave her strength and purpose during her recovery. The horse seemed to sense when LeAnne needed comfort or distraction.
Spending time with the gentle, intuitive mare allowed LeAnne to heal emotionally. She realized that Freya had qualities of the mythical unicorns she read about in the Bible and saw at the circus as a child. LeAnne joked that Freya must be a unicorn in disguise. When others heard about Freya’s special abilities, they wanted to know more about real-life unicorns too.
LeAnne researched equine registries and discovered none specifically for unicorns. She decided to start the IUA so people could celebrate their own “magical” horses. The registry lets owners official proclaim their horses’ legendary status. It also provides a community for people who treasure the fairy tale qualities in these exceptional animals.
Honoring Freya, the First Registered Unicorn
Freya, a half-Gypsy Vanner, half-Friesian mare foaled in 2014, became the first registered unicorn. LeAnne affectionately calls her an “Ambassador.” This striking black horse with a white star and forehead blaze has touched many hearts.
Freya’s best-documented achievement has been serving as a therapy horse for children and adults. Her gentle, intuitive nature seems to ease anxiety and connect instantly with people needing comfort. Freya particularly shines working with individuals suffering from PTSD and emotional trauma.
LeAnne also credits Freya with helping her reconnect spiritually during a crisis of faith. Caring for Freya’s first foal, born in 2014, gave LeAnne courage when facing difficult times. Freya awakened the magic and wonder in LeAnne’s life again through little everyday moments.
From Childhood Dreams to Real-Life Unicorns
IUA founder LeAnne Hosmer combined childhood inspirations with her adult passion for horses to create the International Unicorn Registry. Sparked by beloved stories and legends, LeAnne’s imagination caught fire for unicorns early on.
Seeing a “living unicorn” at the Ringling Brothers Circus made a lasting impression. LeAnne also encountered unicorns in Bible scriptures. These influences remained with her into adulthood. Years later, she recognized unicorn-like qualities in her extraordinary therapy horse, Freya.
LeAnne realized that the actual existence of unicorns is less important than the happiness they represent. The IUA lets people celebrate everyday wonders and recall the magic of childhood dreams. Registering a horse as a unicorn honors the special bond between humans and horses.
Building Community Around Unicorns and Magic
The IUA has expanded since Freya became the first registered unicorn in 2014. Horse owners from across the globe have discovered the registry. They share delight in their exceptional equines along with imaginative stories and playful photos.
The registry lets members obtain official certificates proclaiming their horses as unicorns. However, the IUA is about much more than documents. Above all, it fosters friendships around the magic that horses bring into our lives.
Members also have opportunities to come together during magical events. These might include unicorns participating in parades, shows, community service activities and more. The IUA Facebook group provides plenty of inspiration for family-friendly outings.
Ultimately, the International Unicorn Association exists to make people smile. It captures the innocence and joy that arises from believing in magic.
Is Your Horse a Unicorn? Signs to Look For
Do everyday moments with your horse fill you with awe and delight? Do you feel an uncanny connection that goes beyond words? These could be clues you’ve found a magical unicorn rather than a regular horse! Review the signs below to decide if your special steed might deserve unicorn status.
Understanding Heart Horses
In horse circles, people often describe outstanding animals as “heart horses.” These are equines that bond intensely with their owners. They seem to understand human moods and provide emotional support intuitively. Heart horses build exceptionally strong and meaningful connections.
Heart horses treat their people with patience, kindness and care. They share a give-and-take dynamic that enhances lives on both sides. Additionally, others outside the immediate family may also pick up on a horse's special vibe. These horses spread joy and comfort to many.
People describe remarkable shifts in attitude, confidence and overall well-being after interacting with heart horses. These equines tend to have a “healing” presence that goes beyond words. Their magical qualities uplift spirits and renew optimism.
Recognizing Magical Characteristics
Legend says unicorns choose their riders—these horses select people worthy and in need of their gifts. Do you have an extraordinary emotional rapport with your horse that feels destined and profound?
Take note if your horse displays compassion, emotional intelligence and willingness to comfort. Other heavenly traits include wisdom beyond years, patience in adversity, and contentment spreading to others. These all resemble unicorn virtues rather than average horse qualities.
Make comparisons to other horses you know rather than judging by human standards. Small behaviors that mean little from one horse could signal something poetic and profound from another. Let your heart guide you in discerning magic.
Additional Signs of a Secret Unicorn
While heart horses align closely with unicorn legend, certain tangible signs separate mythical steeds from standard horses. Look for unique markings that resemble a unicorn's spiraling horn and evaluate magical sensitivities.
For instance, take note if your horse sports amedicine hat or star marking on its forehead. The history of such white facial markings connects to unicorn belief across cultures. Additionally, keen sensitivity to human emotions resembles a sixth sense in horses. This further suggests supernatural abilities.
Your horse may even demonstrate special powers occassionally in your presence. Keep an open mind and record moments that feel enchanted. Gather evidence over time before declaring a unicorn. But listen when your intuition whispers this horse brings a little magic into your world.
Register to Celebrate Your Unicorn
Convinced your exceptional horse deserves recognition among legendary beasts? Register with the International Unicorn Association to make it official! This dynamic community offers proof of your unicorn status along with new connections and events.
The Registration Process
Registering your unicorn takes just a few minutes online at the IUA website. Simply visit www.internationalunicornassociation.com and click “Registry” then “Register Your Unicorn.” Next, complete the short form with your contact details, payment, and unicorn’s name, photo, age, breed and location.
Registration costs a one-time fee of $20. In 7 to 10 days, you will receive an official certificate by email. This customized document includes your unicorn's name and photo along with an official registration number. Display it proudly as proof of your horse’s legendary status!
New registrants also gain access to the IUA's private Facebook group. There you can share your unicorn experiences, see other registered unicorns, and learn about events.
Membership Perks and Unicorn Swag
In addition to receiving your unicorn’s offiical certificate, registering connects you into a magical community. The International Unicorn Association on Facebook facilitates friendships over admiration of extraordinary horses.
The IUA group also shares opportunities for unicorns to participate in events together. These range from parade appearances to races to community service activities. You can even earn “forever points” for your unicorn by sharing images of them taking part. This incentivizes spending quality time together in the name of magic!
Along with digital recognition, you can customize your unicorn experience with magical merchandise. The IUA founder creates and sells “Uniquehorns” perfect for completing your unicorn costume. These handcrafted horns attach easily and safely to your horse’s halter or bridle. They spread joy to all who glimpse their magical beauty!
The Positive Impacts of Unicorns
Beyond claiming bragging rights for your exceptional horse, registering as a unicorn connects you to something greater. Unicorns historically symbolize positivity. They represent healing powers, moral virtue and childlike innocence. Integrating unicorn perspectives brings people together through spreading goodwill.
Unicorns for Emotional Healing
Accounts of unicorns first appeared in writings about animals with metaphysical medicinal properties. People believed ingesting bits of unicorn horn could purify and detoxify. The magical beasts cleansed illness and misery by absorbing negative energy into their horns.
Modern unicorn culture carries forward these therapeutic themes. Unicorn imagery aims to uplift people emotionally. These themes commonly assist those managing grief, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or chronic health conditions. Connecting with the unicorn archetype boosts optimism and renews childlike wonder.
This explains why unicorn symbolism resonates strongly with individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Horses provide emotional support animals to veterans, first responders, pandemic healthcare workers and others with PTSD. Their empathy and non-judgment ease anxiety while providing motivation to engage with life.
Unicorns represent restoration to happier times before trauma occurred. They encourage progress while offering understanding. Focusing on unicorns inspires psychological, social and spiritual healing processes.
Why Unicorns Captivate Hearts Young and Old
Unicorns endure as one of few mythical creatures almost equally beloved by adults and children alike. Some theories suggest unicorns represent untarnished innocence. They emerged as prominent figures during the Victorian era, marked by rigid moral expectations for growing up. Unicorns allowed wistfulness for carefree childhood imagination and play.
Today’s generations experience stress from increased isolation and disconnection from nature. This context explains growing unicorn fanaticism. The purity and sincerity of unicorns provides escape from modern skepticism through tapping our innate sense of wonder.
Connecting with unicorns—whether through imaginary play or registering a heart horse—relieves anxiety. It invites vulnerability by suspending judgement among community. Recognizing unicorns acknowledges relationships still mysterious beyond words.
Bring More Magic Into Your Life
Hoping to bask in the glow of unicorns a bit more? Curious about an exceptionally profound horse bonding with new friends? Many opportunities exist to share the light and love unicorns represent.
Spot Community Unicorn Events
The International Unicorn Association maintains a roster of magical happenings across the country. Check the Facebook group for the latest unicorn play dates in your region. Members frequently organize participation in charity events such as fundraising walks and youth outreach. Unicorns also make guest appearances at fantasy fairs and sci-fi conventions.
Of course, unicorns routinely take part in holiday parades and equestrian shows too! Connecting through the IUA allows you to find unicorn festivities year-round. These provide perfect excuses to get together while bringing more magic and optimism wherever they roam!
Earn Recognition for Good Deeds
In addition to forming friendships, the IUA incentivizes unicorns performing community service. Members earn digital “forever points” by sharing images and stories of unicorns doing good. Awarding forever points shows appreciation for repsresenting unicorn virtues.
Tallying forever points creates healthy competition around acts of kindness. It makes volunteering feel a bit more like gameplay. As extra motivation, unicorns earning the most forever points each year receive custom digital artwork celebrating their impacts!
So develop those altruistic muscles through highlighting your unicorn's efforts toward charity. Collect forever points while making positive differences locally, whether supporting youth programs, raising research funds or comforting hospital patients.
Add Some Sparkle to Your Unicorn Stable
If a custom registration certificate isn’t enough novelty for your magical horse, consider accessorizing to drive the legendary point home. The IUA founder crafts and sells a line of “Uniquehorns” perfect for making your unicorn shine.
These decorative horns attach easily and securely to your horse's halter or bridle. Uniquehorns add some striking shimmer sure to upgrade magical mystique. Various styles suit any preference, from rainbow hues to metallic finishes to natural-looking ivory.
Top off your entire unicorn ensemble by coordinating your own wardrobe and gear to channel ethereal whimsy. Fanciful costumes, elegant jewelry, glittering saddle pads and more transform any outing into a fairy tale adventure. Spread enchanting joy wherever your mythical steed strides!
Conclusion: Embrace Believing in Extraordinary Magic
The International Unicorn Registry demystifies magic by making it accessible. It provides official recognition of exceptional horses along with community supporting whimsical connections. Register your remarkable heart horse to celebrate profound emotional bonds.
Glimpse your everyday world differently by appreciating unicorn perspectives. Recognize extraordinary moments that inspire childlike awe and bring people together. Carry these forward through purposeful intentions and actions.
At its core, believing in unicorns represents choosing optimism, wonder and connection. It signifies living gently while appreciating magic in simple moments. Make more space for this by registering your healing heart horse with the IUA today!
Get All Your Questions Answered: Unicorn Registry Facts
Have you ever wondered what's involved in proclaiming your horse an official unicorn? Curious minds often ponder questions around the International Unicorn Association's registration process and community. Read on for insider knowledge addressing top inquiries from folks considering joining the magic!
What Exactly Does the Registration Certificate Include?
The official IUA unicorn certificate features your horse's name, photo, age, breed, location and registration number. It arrives by email within 7-10 days after registering online. Display this customized document proudly framing your horse's legendary status!
The certificate also provides registration credibility when participating in unicorn events like fundraising walks or fantasy conventions. Finally, it serves as proof-of-magic when applying accessories like custom horns or fairy saddles!
What If My Horse Doesn't Have a Horn?
No problem! The International Unicorn Association happily welcomes all horses, whether mystically marked by nature or not. Few equines sport actual horns, so the IUA focuses on emotional connections signifying unicorn magic instead.
If desired, you can purchase accessory horns to complete your unicorn look. The IUA founder crafts Uniquehorns to attach securely to halters and bridles without harming horses. Choose from rainbow bright colors or understated natural ivory. Complete your ensemble with themed riding gear!
How Do I Earn Forever Points for Volunteering?
The IUA incentivizes unicorns helping out in their communities by awarding forever points. Simply document your magical horse's good deeds through photos and stories in the Facebook group. Acts of service earning forever points could include youth mentoring events, hospital therapy visits or fundraising efforts.
Tallies translate all the hard work into fun recognition. The unicorns racking up the most forever points each year even receive custom digital portrait art celebrating their impacts! So do good while claiming bragging rights for your altruistic unicorn.
What If My Horse Isn't Magical with Strangers?
No worries! The International Unicorn Association welcomes all extraordinary horses, not only ambassadors experienced engaging the public. Focus on your unique emotional bond and any insights or comfort offered behind the scenes. Even unicorns unaccustomed to crowds deliver healing magic privately to those fortunate enough know them.
While introverted unicorns may prefer skipping busy parade routes, they can still claim forever points through therapeutic work. Share your unicorn magic with individuals or small groups. Schedule unicorn meet-ups allowing gradual warm-up and tolerable interaction speeds. Move at your comfort pace while enjoying connections!
How Young Can Baby Unicorns Register?
It's never too early to showcase your remarkable little one! The IUA has registered foals so new their baby horns have barely hardened! While registration paperwork only requires a horse's name, you're also welcome to share details like expected "birthday" and due date guesses for their unicorn certificate.
Early registration allows plenty of preparation for a newborn foal's big debut after they stabilize. Line up that perfect newborn shoot to accompany registry announcement posts. Then show them off at your baby unicorn sprinkle party!
What If My Unicorn Is a Mini or Pony?
Petite unicorns bring double the magic! The International Unicorn Association celebrates the bonds between unicorn souls and their humans regardless of equine size or shape. Take pride in your extraordinary small horse!
Mini unicorn registration earns coveted forever points for volunteer acts just the same as horse-sized helpers. Your tiny unicorn can still spread healing and delight even through simple visits. And just imagine the reactions when people meet your perfect pocket-sized unicorn for the first time!
Do I Need Special Skills or Gear for Parades?
Participating in unicorn processions builds confidence through practice but requires no fancy footwork! Doing good deeds together already makes you shine. Just take your time acclimating your unicorn to crowds, sounds, banners and other sensory playdates.
Of course, you may feel tempted to up the shimmer factor with sequins and glitter! Customized unicorn gear broadcasts magical whimsy. But no need for stressful performance perfection - silly songs and wiggly dances absolutely welcome! Follow your unicorn's comfort and let their signature personality movements guide you.
How Can Unicorns Help Hospital Patients?
Unicorns work wonders simply by visiting pediatric or senior care centers thanks to their nonjudgmental presence. Children light up seeing these mythical visitors when stuck in scary medical environments. Unicorns foster emotional respite through imaginative play, comforting cuddles and peaceful distraction.
Elderly patients also benefit from gentle stimulation and affectionate company. Loneliness exacerbates chronic health conditions while unicorns decrease stress through affection and happy reminiscing. Facilities frequently request smiling unicorn visits to boost moods throughout the building!
What If My Horse Isn't Sweet and Angelic?
Not to worry - unicorns represent the full spectrum of positive personality traits! The International Unicorn Association embraces horses with all kinds of quirks so long as they hold space for connection.
High-spirited Chargers polymorph into daring heroes! Wild Mustangs symbolize freedom. Broody introverts model self-acceptance. Stubborn ponies teach resilience. Showcase your kooky yet lovable unicorn exactly as they are!
True magic comes from loving each being's distinctive essence. Unicorns don't need perfect polished looks or behavior - though with proper care, their inner light shines through!
Registering your horse as a unicorn offers chance to rediscover daily wonder while connecting with like-minded horse lovers. Don't hesitate to reach out with any other questions about this warm community centered around magic! Simply getting to know your new friends can spark answers to mysteries not yet asked. Now go unleash positivity with your extraordinary equine!
Questions answered using details provided on www.internationalunicornassociation.com with creative extension based on general unicorn lore. Consider becoming part of this positive community celebrating exceptional horses!
Conclusion
We hope reading about the ins and outs of proclaiming your horse an official unicorn sparked optimism! Register to receive your custom certificate and access a community encouraging everyday magic. Most importantly, take time connecting mindfully with your extraordinary equine through activities meaningful for you both.