| This is about a few things that I learned recently while | | | | however, with these particular animals was the fact |
| looking to buy a Miniature Horse. I had in mind that I | | | | that to the more-or-less untrained eye (never having |
| would like a small equine of some type. At first I | | | | had a Mini before) nothing was particularly striking |
| thought that perhaps a donkey would be appropriate in | | | | about their appearance, in that, they strongly |
| that they are sturdy animals and are known to not be | | | | resembled ponies and without asking you were really |
| afraid of wildlife such as coyotes and foxes. Often | | | | not sure what breed you were inspecting. I came |
| you see a donkey out with a herd of cattle or a flock | | | | home having made no decision and thinking that |
| of sheep. Another choice I had in mind was a pony. I | | | | maybe a Miniature Horse was not the way to go. |
| have had ponies in the past and have found them to | | | | One evening my son called me in to see a Mini |
| be interesting animals in that they can be ridden as well | | | | advertised for sale, complete with picture, in a |
| as driven and they are usually quite easy to handle | | | | classified ad on his computer. My first comment was, |
| once some groundwork training has been put into | | | | "Oh, that's a sharp little horse." Please bear in mind that |
| them. Then, I noticed some Internet advertising about | | | | I have had horses non-stop since 1962, so I do know |
| Miniature Horses. The first thing that I noticed was the | | | | good conformation, etc., when I see it. This little horse |
| fact that the asking prices for these little horses were | | | | was priced in my price range but was located about 3 |
| usually quite high. These asking prices were actually | | | | hours away. Long story short, we went to see the little |
| higher than I was prepared to spend on something that | | | | guy, a 2-year-old gelding, well mannered, friendly, and |
| I wanted primarily for a pet. But, I was intrigued so I | | | | most importantly for me, he looked like a little horse. |
| started looking about. | | | | Much to the surprise of the owners I purchased |
| An animal rescue website caught my eye. The farm | | | | without hesitation. |
| was located close to home and listed 2 or 3 Miniature | | | | Please, I am not trying to offend anyone here, |
| Horses for sale or adoption. I went to visit. One I | | | | especially the breeders of Miniature Horses. Quite the |
| thought would be suitable was an 11-year-old mare. | | | | contrary, what I am trying to convey is praise for |
| Her asking price was negotiable. Another little | | | | Miniature Horse breeders for as I found out with |
| 3-year-old mare also looked promising and I thought | | | | careful looking and with patience you can find that |
| that perhaps she could be the one. What I was finding, | | | | perfect Miniature Horse meant just for you. |