July 2007

Miniature Horse & Pony Society of Ireland Show Results From Claremorris Show First MHPSI Qualifier Show Sunday 27/05/07 Stallion Qualifiers above (1st) Place Mrs Joan Hawkins (2) Place Mr Hugh Deegan.       Mare Qualifier Class (1st) Place Mrs Joan Hawkins.             Mare Qualifier Class (2nd) Place Mr Hugh Deegan.

March 2007 - General care for your Miniature

Nutrition: It’s important to understand the nutritional needs of Miniature Horses and Ponies. Miniatures are prone to overeating and can develop problems from excessive food intake. Nutrition for Miniatures is similar to that for large horses but the differences in body size must always be considered. Miniatures would normally require a daily ration of hay or horse ration twice daily over the winter months. Plenty of clean water should always be available. Pasture access must be limited when grass is very plentiful as these little horses or ponies never know when to stop eating. As with all equine feeding should be tailored to the individual animal . Housing: Miniatures, though they are small they are hardy animals. They thrive on sunshine, pasture and room to run and play. They do like the outdoors but it is essential to allow for good sheltering from the wind and rain. Hoof Care: Hoof Care in Miniatures is essential. Owners need to have young horse’s or ponies feet trimmed at an early age to help avoid any conformational problems. Hooves should be picked out every day and trimmed for balance on a regular schedule. Neglected or improperly trimmed feet can cause serious problems. Dental Care: Miniatures should have their teeth checked at an early age. It is easier to do routine dental care rather than to wait until the teeth (and the problem) arise and becomes more challenging. Proper, routine dental care and maintenance is a very important aspect of horse and pony ownership. Grooming: Regular grooming is an essential aspect of his/her total care. Not only does the horse/pony benefit from your grooming , he/she also becomes accustomed to your touch. This also creates a special bond between you both. When grooming, always brush and comb with the hair, never against it. This will keep coat soft and shiny and the mane and tail free from tangles.

October 2006
When the Tullamore Show Committee decided to include 7 classes for Miniature Horse & Ponies in their 2006 show schedule, it is doubtful if they expected such a fantastic response on the day. An incredible 63 entries were put through their paces in the various age groups and anyone who was lucky enough to be a spectator certainly had to enjoy such an unusual feature of the show.

Last year was the first year for this show to include Miniatures in their schedule and the feeling was that it was a big success and could be developed as an attraction for families and children. This proved to be the case and exhibitors came from North, South, East & West to compete for the covetted rosettes. The variety of heads and colours on show gave those at the ringside an idea of the number of different kinds of miniature horses & ponies available. These little equine were shown by all age groups which again is a feature of their popularity.

The Judge on the day took her job very seriously and had some difficult decisions to make.

The stallion class was quite a spectacle with 15 beautifully turned out and mannerly little fellows parading and showing off to everyone. Certainly a difficult task to place them all in merit.

An outstanding class of 28 miniatures from 1 to 3 year old kept the crown enthralled for almost an hour, while each little one was brought forward and examined in detail, conformation, movement and turnout etc.

A beautiful crystal trophy was presented to the Champion Miniature chosen from all the 1st and 2nd prize winners. This trophy was very kindly sponsored and presented by Ms. Elaine Hunt from Carrick-on-Shannon and was won by Ms. Joanne Austin, Ardee, Co. Louth with her little Miniature Horse....a worthy winner!

What struck me most was the very pleasant and friendly atmosphere that surrounded the various areas of preparation prior to the judging, and the genuine interest from the general public in all areas that go on "behind the scenes" - nail polish, tail shine, baby oil etc.

It is hoped that many families will "get into minis" in the coming year, but beware; It's an addiction and you are never satisified with ONE!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our 2006 sponsors for their sponsorship of the various classes.
Joan Hawkins PRO

Summer 2006
Summer is finally here and in spite of the rain in May, we can look forward to green fields and plenty of grass at last.

All owners of horse and ponies will welcome this after the long months of keeping animals inside and the work that this entails. Whether it is a draught mare or a miniature shetland, attention to detail in the winter months, will pay off when ot comes to foaling time or showing time.

The Miniature Horse & Pony Society of Ireland is hoping to hear good news in the near future regarding the approval of the Society by the Department of Agriculture, which are bound by European Law to all all equine registered and passported correctly.

The importance of having our little horses & ponies registered cannot be emphasised too strongly, and wiht the approval of our society to register foals and young stock and to issue passports, the doors will be opened to concentrate on other issues.

With those not already familiar with the various types of minis, there are quite a variety; Miniature Shetland, American Miniature, Falabella (originally from Argentina & the smallest horse in the world), & other spotted minis which are not so plentiful.

As children generally don't use miniatures for riding or jumping, it means they can't grow out of them, and indeed they may have a mini in the family for it's full life span - which can be up to 42 years. A mini can be a life-long companion, given proper care, love and attention.

It is hoped that many more Agricultural Shows will include classes for Minitaure Horses & Ponies this summer. These classes are proving to be a great attraction for families and can often be a major attraction on the day. The Society looks forward to sponsoring classes in as many areas as soon as it is formally approved.

It is hoped to organise an information evening in the near future where advice on the care of the mare in foal or with foal, hoof care, preparations for showing & general tips for new owners will be the main topics. Anyone with queries or worries about their mini, or where to but thier first mini, can contact the office on (075) 9350041.

This article was written by our own Ms. Joan Hawkins (PRO) You can contact Joan on (086) 1656655.