Behold the Mighty Minis!
By Rita Thompson-Tinsley
It’s a matter of fact that great things come in small packages. Standing a whopping 34” to 38” at withers, though they are miniature in stature, the miniature horse proves giant in character.
Making their appearance as far back as the 1600s, miniature horses were developed in Europe and commonly served as pets of nobility. Fast forward to today where the miniature equine does it all. They compete in multi-level sports such as pleasure driving, dressage, maneuvering obstacle courses, and in-hand competitions. They serve as companion animals and service animals. They have become paramount in the world of therapeutics, rendering comfort and relief to individuals so phenomenally that even their owners are totally blown away.
Twelve years ago, Elaine Taute’s 2-year old granddaughter Abby was horse smitten, though pint-size. So, Elaine decided to shop in the pint-size category. She found miniature horse Sparky who came complete with a cart which he expertly pulls. The sellers even threw in driving lessons for Elaine who caught on quickly.
According to Elaine, “Minis are very willing and very smart. They are so affectionate that owning one is like having a pet, more so than a regular sized horse.” She and Sparky over the years have done many parades and local competitions that include driving and in-hand.
Miniature horses tend to express a spirituality. Sparky is certified as a therapy animal and takes his job quite seriously. “He is amazing with the handicapped, especially the most severe,” says Taute. Conditions such as cerebral palsy can cause a person to move erratically, arms or limbs flailing. These are elements that would normally terrify or spook a horse. But Taute explains that Sparky seems to recognize these symptoms and actually targets that person with amazing affection. “It’s like he senses their condition and passionately desires to be with them” she claims.
Paulden residents Michelle and Rob Whan have been active in miniature horse organizations and events for around a decade. They are members of Saguaro State Shetland Pony & Miniature Horse Club. They do parades and activities including Pleasure Driving, Driving Obstacles, In Hand Obstacles, Driving Reining (there is such a thing), and Jumping.
Michelle has also been involved in drill team. They have 4 miniature horses: geldings Orion and Bobbi Sox, mares Paisley and Tessa, and miniature donkey Milo, who also pulls a cart. Their miniatures are involved with the Horses with Heart (Therapeutic Riding Center) Marvelous Mini program which offers therapeutic animal support to local schools, senior centers, and special needs groups. Michelle points out how sensitive her mares in particular are to those with special needs.
Mary Smith is President of the Board of Directors with Horses with Heart Therapeutic Riding Center in Chino Valley. She has been coordinator of their therapeutic Marvelous Mini program for 10 years. Their most recent event was an organized Fourth of July parade exclusively for the residents at Los Fuentes Resort Village (nursing home) which they did in conjunction with Yavapai Humane Society. It was a big hit.
A second endeavor that Mary Smith has been organizing for her Marvelous Minis is referred to as Just Say WHOA® to Bullying, a program that was developed in St. Petersburg, Florida, which focuses on bringing to light the detrimental damages that happen as the result of bullying. According to their mission statement, their approach focuses on bullying prevention by helping children to recognize and respect the differences in one another. They hope to build a foundation of understanding, promoting a positive social environment, fostering kindness and good citizenship. This innovative program is the first to teach bullying prevention using animal-assisted activities with miniature therapy horses. Mary Smith has great hopes that they will have a successful campaign here in Yavapai County once the Covid restrictions are untethered.
There is a pretty large miniature horse owner population here in the quad cities. A really good source for miniature horse and donkey shopping is rescue groups such as Now That I’m Safe Rescue in Chino Valley. The miniature horse or donkey is also a great companion for your resident horse. They tend to be very calming and are easy keepers. They also make it ultra-easy on your equine grocery list. AND they come in almost every color and pattern.
For more information, there are two registries in the US for miniature horses. The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) and the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). Or, better yet, check with your local clubs.
When asked “What has having these miniature creatures added to your lives?” Michelle Whan immediately responded, “Each day they bring us so much joy with their fun and quirky personalities.”
