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As
the morning mist begins to lift I approach my barn and see my
favorite creatures of all time…. miniature weanlings. As a horseback
rider and equine enthusiast from a young age, horses had always
fascinated me. As a
teenager I found other interests as most of us do, but I got
back into the horse groove quickly and easily when I decided
to “join ‘em” since my husband at the time was an amateur harness
horseman. I hopped
up onto a polo horse and off I went.
Don’t be mistaken, I forgot a lot of things logistically,
but once I got up there, it was like riding a bike.
I
then learned from a friend that miniature horses were wonderful
and my next equine adventure began.
I researched the little guys extensively by looking at
every Website out there that related to them.
I then happened upon a wonderful site that took my breath
away, Little America Miniature Horses.
This was to be the start of my new passion and learning
cornerstone. I was extremely lucky to have waited and researched. The timing was right and thus I happened upon
a man who breeds and has around 200 head of miniatures, Tony
Greaves. He also happens to be the President of the
A.M.H.A. (American Miniature Horse Association). He has taught me so much about these little animals. I can never thank him enough. His being in Texas did not stop me; in fact
I bought my first four from him and had all of them flown in. I also have continued my relationship with
him and it has been one I have enjoyed immensely. All of the miniatures for sale that are pictured on our site currently
are his stock.
My
miniatures are mostly yearlings. I bought one of Tony’s broodmares as well and
had an unsuccessful delivery this past spring, a very sad time
for me. Apparently this is a common occurrence and
I figured out that statistically the mortality rate of these
foals during birth is about 30%.
This eased my mind a bit but no matter what, I still
lost a baby and took it very hard. I love animals and hate seeing things like
this. My pal Tony made
it clear that this happens and I should just look ahead.
With that advice in mind, I discovered that a miniature
breeder, Bar Era, in nearby Delaware was having a retirement
sale and I bought their two best broodmares and sweethearts
they both are. Of course
I checked in with Tony first before my purchase.
I
am happy to report that the mare I bought from Tony that lost
the foal this past spring was just confirmed in foal to my stud,
Eclipses Little Comet. We
are also currently breeding him to the other two broodmares
bought from Bar Era. Next spring or summer our two yearling girls
will be of age to breed and we then will have five broodmares. Our yearling stud will also be ready and we
will then have two studs to work with.
The
horse is a whole new thing for most domestic pet owners.
This is a fact. It takes time and patience to learn what there
is to know about horses and how to work with and take care of
them. My experience with saddlebreds and standardbreds
has given me a huge head start in working with these animals.
In fact at times I feel overqualified.
The standardbred
racing business is very detailed and deals with every aspect
of the horse. For example,
examining blood work is a routine event.
Giving the right amount of feed depending on their racing
status as well as supplementing it properly, exercising them
on the track, treadmill, walker, in the pool or a combination
of these and noticing the condition of their manure, feet and
posture are daily occurrences.
These
are big animals and let’s face it; they are to be respected
even if only for their size.
The
amount of detail involved is hard to imagine. It is something learned over time and with
repeated exposure. I
have both and am able to use these tools to assist in the breeding,
care and simple loving of the miniature horse and their offspring.
Upbringing
is very important. I had my first experience with this, with a yearling filly standardbred
that I spent countless hours with in her stall petting, grooming
and basically giving her all of me.
She has not yet made it to the track due to an injury
when in training but we still have hope.
If she never gets there she will remain with me and is
forever my first equine child. She comes to me when called and responds best
to me. I am, in essence,
her mother. This is
an example of what is needed with a miniature weanling.
If you want a great miniature that is personable and
loving you must be with him or her constantly at a young age.
The more hugging the better.
You must let them know you are their parent but always
be gentle and kind. I learned that to correct them you can pinch
their neck as their own mother would to tell them no. I have done this with three miniature weanlings and am continuing
the same with the ones I have now for your purchase. They must be continually attended to and will be the best little
guys around! I guarantee
it whether they become yours or remain mine.
This
has been a fun and exciting adventure for me that has given
me extreme joy and has injected a new stream of energy into
my love for horses. I
look forward to providing you with the best quality Miniature
weanlings in the future and as Tony says, I am becoming “Little
America East”. With
that compliment from a man of such knowledge of miniatures,
I am ever so sure of the quality of what my offspring will have
to offer you.
Never
confuse a person who loves animals with a mill. Animal lovers would rather keep all of their
animals for themselves than part with one to abusive folk. There have been many inquiries of this nature
sent to me since the airing of my commercial this past July
on the TV Station, the Animal Planet, featuring a miniature
horse. Rest assured I am no mill! I
am currently requesting two letters of reference along with
a non-refundable deposit that is made prior to any sale of a
miniature horse. This
puts my mind a bit more at ease about the people who will be
taking home one of these little angels.
Please uptownpet@aol.com
or call 866 PET-PETS / 732 942-6661 with any other questions
you might have if you are truly interested.
I am here to help as Tony was for me.
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