I’d had “full-size” horses for many years when someone gave me a pair of Miniature Horses. “Foxy” and “Tommy” were chubby and sweet-faced; naughty and good-natured in equal measures. A perfect balance of “pony” approachability and “horse” temperament, they served several years as patient grooming subjects for my lesson kids, participated in dozens of parades and demonstrations, helped deliver cookies and treats to neighbors during the holidays, and gave me very cute reasons to learn how to start a (small) horse between the shafts.
But when I first brought my mini-chargers home, no one explained to me they had needs specific to their breed and small stature.
Lifelong Miniature Horse owner and breeder Kendra Gale knows that many people, like me, will say yes to having a Miniature in their lives—because of their unimposing size, because of their broad appeal, and because of their growing popularity as therapy animals. But she also knows new owners and handlers need guidance when it comes to properly caring for Miniature Horses and ensuring their health and overall well-being.
“Many of those who are interested in owning a Miniature Horse have no prior equine knowledge, just a great love for the horse,” she says. That’s why she wrote THE BIG BOOK OF MINIATURE HORSES.
There are so many reasons to enjoy a Miniature! In her book, Kendra tells us all the different ways we can experience these little horses: breed shows, pleasure driving, companionship, therapy work—whether you dream of ribbons or smiles on kids’ faces, these tiny equines are BIG fun in a small package.
Here are some of the ways Miniature Horses have made headlines recently:
As entertainers:
As therapy animals:
On television:
THE BIG BOOK OF MINIATURE HORSES by Kendra Gale is available now from the TSB online bookstore, where shipping in the US is FREE.
CLICK HERE to view a free chapter or to order!
Trafalgar Square Books, the leading publisher of equestrian books and DVDs, is a small business based on a farm in rural Vermont.