About us
Once upon a time...
our mission
Spreading joy
At The Unicorns Project, our mission is simple but powerful: to spread joy and create meaningful connections through the magic of unicorns. We believe that happiness and wonder are essential, especially in times of hardship or uncertainty. That’s why our unicorns travel to schools, hospitals, care facilities, and community events, bringing smiles to faces and hope to hearts.
Our visits aren’t just about the unicorns themselves—they’re about the moments they inspire. We’ve seen children light up with excitement, veterans find peace through a gentle touch, and communities come together over the shared joy of a magical encounter.
But we’re not stopping there. With every visit, we aim to reach more people, touch more lives, and share the simple yet profound message that joy is all around us—it sometimes just takes a unicorn to help us see it.
How it began
It started with a walk...
The COVID pandemic reshaped lives in ways few could have imagined. Schools closed their doors, workplaces transitioned to remote setups, and countless individuals faced long days of isolation. In the midst of this challenging time, Karen Rudolph, a lifelong horse enthusiast and visionary, found an unexpected way to bring a little light to her community.
Equipped with her miniature horses, lovingly transformed into enchanting unicorns, Karen began taking daily walks through local neighborhoods. Whether passing by a school, a police station, or a food bank, Karen and her unicorns encountered individuals of all ages. From children waving eagerly from windows to adults seeking a brief escape from their worries, the sight of the magical creatures brought smiles and warmth to everyone they met.
What began as a simple act of kindness quickly grew into something extraordinary. Word spread, and soon crowds gathered to meet the unicorns. Veterans, parents, children, and even local leaders found themselves captivated by the presence of these tiny ambassadors of joy. It became clear that this was more than a neighborhood walk—it was the start of a movement. And thus, The Unicorns Project was born.
Who we are
Who’s behind it all?
Karen Rudolph, the heart and soul behind The Unicorns Project, has been a passionate horse lover since her earliest years. Owning and caring for horses since the age of 13, Karen’s fascination with the mythical unicorns of folklore took a creative turn when she transformed her miniature horses into magical creatures. What started as a fun addition to her granddaughter’s birthday party became a heartfelt mission to share happiness on four tiny hooves.
Karen isn’t alone in her quest. Alongside her is a dedicated board of unicorn enthusiasts who bring diverse skills and boundless passion to the project. From coordinating events to managing logistics, this team works to ensure every visit is magical. Among them is Karen’s husband, a pragmatic and supportive partner who oversees the project’s finances, even if his interest in unicorn glitter is limited.
The stars of the show, however, are the unicorns themselves. Each one, a former show horse, brings its own unique personality and charm to the role. From World Champions to gentle companions, these miniature horses are the perfect blend of elegance, playfulness, and unbridled joy. Their ability to connect with people—whether it’s a curious toddler, a nostalgic senior, or a veteran seeking comfort—is nothing short of remarkable.
Our unicorns are former show horses with unique qualities that make them perfect ambassadors of joy. From veterans to children, their impact is undeniable.
Meet our Team
Meet Karen and Our Dedicated Board Members
At The Unicorns Project, we are guided by a team of passionate and dedicated individuals who share our mission of spreading joy through the magic of miniature unicorns. Led by our founder, Karen, each member of our board brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to making a positive impact.
Karen Rudolph
president
Karen, founder of The Unicorns Project, turned her lifelong love of horses into a mission to spread joy by transforming miniature horses into magical unicorns.
Jonathan Rudolph
treasurer
Jonathan, the tractor-driving financial mastermind behind The Unicorns Project, ensures the magic runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Sarah Murray
secretary
Sarah, an HR expert and skilled horsewoman, combines her professional expertise with a passion for equine care to support The Unicorns Project’s mission.
Kathy Demartini
Board member
Kathy, a devoted horse lover extraordinaire, is always ready to lend a helping hand and brings her unwavering dedication to every aspect of The Unicorns Project.
Carolee Jane Smith
Board member
Carolee, a compassionate nurse, foster mom, and kind human, brings her spirit and generosity to The Unicorns Project, making a difference in every interaction.
Deanna Crane
Board member
Deanna, a creative genius and skilled unicorn outfit designer, brings her artistic vision to every magical costume for The Unicorns Project.
Kim Sweatt
Board member
Kim, a visionary and long-time cheerleader, has been a generous supporter of The Unicorns Project from the very beginning.
Michelle Thomas
Honorary Board member
Michele passed after bravely battling breast cancer, leaving a generous legacy donation to support our mission. We honor her memory in all we do.
