Mini horses stars of major show

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This article was published 04/07/2022 (1331 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Horse shows are a common sight at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence, but this past weekend featured one dedicated to a unique segment of the equine world and what organizers called the horse for everyone.

Miniature horses and Shetland ponies were the stars of the Manitoba Small Equine Show on Saturday and Sunday, showing off their versatility and big personalities in a wide range of classes and events, from various driving and roadster divisions, to jumping, jumper (style, not height, is judged) performance, halter and confirmation classes and obstacle driving.

This event was sanctioned by the American Miniature Horse Registry and the American Shetland Pony Club. Participants could compete to collect points and earn standings to qualify for the national event in Tulsa, Okla., in September. This was both a public showcase and major competition for many in attendance, said committee member Heather Hart.

The event was not exclusive to just Manitoba stables and breeders. Barns from Alberta and Saskatchewan were also competing for prizes and just showing off their animals.

Miniature horses have always been popular, but they have been gaining in popularity in recent years due to their size and temperament. People who want a horse, but don’t want or can’t afford the space, money and time for a larger pony or horse, can have one. They don’t require large trailers, a lot of space or expensive and cumbersome equipment, but still perform like a regular horse, save riding.

They are excellent performance and agility animals, perfect for small carriages and many are kept just as pets.

“Many who get them don’t get into the performance part, they keep them as a backyard pet, a companion, for therapy, miniatures are used in all of those things,” Hart said. “They really are a horse for anyone to enjoy, from kids and youth to retirees who probably spent decades handling bigger horses but can’t anymore, but still love horses.”

According to the American Miniature Horse Registry, there are two recognized sizes — Division A, which is up to 34 inches in height, and Division B, miniatures between 34 and 38 inches tall. Unlike other horses, a miniature’s height is measured from the last hair on their mane on the back of their neck instead from the top of the withers to the ground.

As with many sports, youth are especially important, as they help keep it alive, said Hart.

This year, they had 10 young people showing in various categories. Normally, they average 15, but schooling, jobs and other activities during the pandemic have reduced the numbers slightly. However, the number they have is still encouraging.

Hart explained this is a great sport for youth, as it introduces many to equine sports through a relatively gentler and easier to handle form of a horse.

“Many start with miniature horses and graduate to the larger ones, so they are a great introduction to the rest of equine sport,” she said.

One in particular was 14-year-old Eva Ketchmark, who was with her family and showing in the halter, showmanship, obstacle and jumping categories. For her, miniatures are a fun hobby and finds them calming to work with.

“They are very versatile, and you can do multiple things with them, so it makes it easy,” she said. “It’s easier to handle them because they are a lot smaller, so you can learn the basics of handling.”

Ketchmark added while breeding and their individual personalities vary, she finds miniature horses more level-headed than larger horses.

She does own full-sized horses and eventually will get into jumping, she said. But for now, she is enjoying her minis.

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