Featured Video: The Return of Tinker, the Bell-Ringing Mini Horse

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It’s been four
years since we first met Tinker, a Mini Horse in Wisconsin who dons a
Santa hat, performs tricks, and rings a bell as part of the Salvation
Army’s iconic Red Kettle holiday fundraiser. Tinker is still at it,
as we see in the report from CBS 58 above.

“Every year he
gets more and more popular,” says Carol Takacs, Tinker’s owner.
“People walk by and they say, ‘Okay, that’s cute…’ but then
they realize that he does actually pick up a bell and ring it, and
they really think that’s neat. So it’s fun to be with him.”

Tinker and Carol
have some extra help courtesy of Tallulah, Tinker’s canine
companion who looks quite comfortable perched on the Mini’s back.

Back in 2012, the
Associated Press reported that Tinker solicits 10 times the donations
of the average human bell-ringer, and he’s been at it since 2010.
That’s a lot of cash for charity over the years. Keep up the good
work, Tinker.

8 years ago

Leslie Potter

Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky.Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.

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View Comments

Marion says:
December 1, 2016 at 5:40 am
For some reason it's just spinning it's wheels and not working? Hopefully tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing Tinker and her canine partner!
Kathy says:
December 2, 2016 at 5:48 am
For some reason it don't load up! Taking over 3 minutes so far and nothing! Maybe have IT look into this please.
Marion says:
December 5, 2016 at 6:01 am
Yay it's working, OMG love the glitter on his hooves too! His doggie companion is adorable, who wouldn't contribute to him! I sure would, double or nothing, okay double it is!
Jenny says:
December 6, 2016 at 5:40 am
So adorable, worth the $5 donation and a bag of carrots too! Yay Tinker, you're the best!
Sherry says:
December 9, 2016 at 5:49 am
Thought of Tinker yesterday when shopping, SA was just a man ringing a bell, told him he needed to adopt a mini and a dog to up his ante!
Alica says:
December 11, 2016 at 5:40 am
What a great idea and how cute! Thank you to Tinker for his service!
pKL says:
December 12, 2016 at 5:40 am
Great idea, everyone loves to come see a cute little mini and of course drop something in the red kettle.
Jenny says:
December 15, 2016 at 5:29 am
Oh how adorable and I bet that Tinker out shines all the other Bell Ringers around the world! You Rock Tinker!
Marion says:
December 31, 2016 at 3:58 am
Tinker, I hope that you raised more money for the SSA than any person ever did! Congrats on a job well done!
Bea says:
November 26, 2017 at 3:51 am
WOW couldn't get it to come up. SIGH!