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IO-()rono Weekly limes, Wednesday, September 27, 1989 These miniature horses a hit at Orono Fair Laurie Hale and Top Gun out for exercise Miniatures a fun horse for most purposes A ' miniature horse is a recognized breed of a horse which does not exceed 34 inches in height when measured at the withers, last hairs tof the mane. True miniatures are not dwarfs or genetic errors, nor are they ponies. They are small replicas of the standard sized horse which have been produced from original small European stock or through years of selective down - breeding of larger horses in South America. There are two registrations for thes'e miniature horses they are the American Miniature Horse Association and the American Miniature Horse Registry. These .horses can usually be divided into 2 general body types. The more refined Arabian, Arabian, and the heavier boned Quarter Horse type. Feeding minis costs less than feeding a big dog. Health care is the same as needed for the standard size horse, but worming and immunization immunization doses are scaled down to size. Usually a 6 foot by 8 foot stall and an exercise area are all that is needed for a mini. People of all ages can enjoy enjoy a mini. Those who have always had a horse but find they can no longer handle a 1,000 pounds of determinéd horse, can still have all the experiences and enjoyment of ownership with a mini. Also minis can be broke to drive and ride. They are ususally halter broke right after birth and can be very easily easily trained in a matter of days depending on the horse. I have ■one little mare Emily Ann who is 23 inches whom I taught to lead, trot and canter by the time she was 2 months old. My granddaughter Laurie has some of them jumping already over rails which is a great accomplishment accomplishment for year olds. We have some we- will break to harness to drive next spring, and some"of the mares will be bred to our stud Lil Indian Buck. These miniature horses come in the same colors and markings as full sized horses, but pintos are particularly in demand right now. I have found that handicapped handicapped persons respond especially to them, because the minis are so gentle and loving in nature. It's all in the way you care for them. Winterizing and Fertilizing your lawn -- Weed Spraying -- Crab Grass -- Fertilizing -- Insect Spraying -- Plug Coraeration See the Difference Quality Makes 983-5598 (Orono, Newcastle) Because of their size people will tend to over protect them, but they are just as hardy as any other equine, with regards to weather conditions. Mini mares also have the same gestation period as their full sized kin - 11 months or 345 days. Foaling is very, difficult at times because of their small size, someone should always be with them at foaling time in case of problems. Right now I have 3 mares and a stallion, none over 29 inches. I will be purchasing more mares in the spring of. 199.0 for breeding, biit it is tak ing me a while to get the right stock and the size I want. I don't wantanything over 30 inches.. inches.. These minis are all family pets and are not for sale, we will be breeding some mares late 1990 for foals in 1991, some of these will probably be for sale. As of now it is just a family hobby. 1 have, had so many people people call and ask about these little horses, so I hope 1 have answered a few questions for you about tire-miniature horse. Betty Hale Orono Custom Fencing and Painting Specializing in Fencing and Decks Established Over 50 Years Phone 983-5530 Affordable Dream Vacations! , * • Free Vacation Planning Services ® Discount Cruises ® Charter Vacations ® Airline Tickets « Honeymoon Packages • Hotel and Car Reservations PERSONAL & CORPORATE TRAVEL SERVICES Travel Agents International We 're with you all the way 68 KING ST. E„, BOWMANVILLE Over 300 Agencies in North America 623-6600 ; STEEVES' AUTO SUPPLY A complete line of » AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR and SUPPLY PARTS for Domestic & Import Cars 1 216 King St. E. NEWCASTLE 987-1657 987-1658 Monday - Friday 8:00 - 6:00 Saturday 8:00 - 1:00 MM PARTS c> AFî > OLD KENDAL STOKE ° ^ L E Ç T T ® V ^ * 983-9875 Custom Designed „SILK and DRY FLOWERS SMALL FURNITURE WREATHS Also, In Stock Folk Art Products Lewiscraft Products DARLENE and STEVE CHILDS MILL STREET, KENDAL 983-9875