Mini & Pony
The Miniature Horse: More Than Just a Smaller Horse
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| photos.com |
Reprinted from The Horse Report with permission from the Center for Equine Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis (UC Davis).
Gary Magdesian, DVM, of the UC Davis William F. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and Mark Rick, DVM, of Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, Calif., contributed to this article.
What comes in a small package, has all the characteristics people love about horses, and is easy to manage and a delight to have around? A Miniature Horse.
Miniature Horses are no taller than 38 inches and come in a rainbow of coat colors and patterns. They are easily trained, have a gentle nature, and can pull four times their own weight. These horses are descended from Shetland ponies and were selectively inbred for their size. In earlier times, small horse breeds were likely the products of surviving harsh natural climates and limited feed sources. As human knowledge of genetics grew, it became possible to breed specifically for size.
Miniature Horses have been bred for superb conformation and outstanding dispositions. The result is a proportionate little horse that is suitable to a variety of uses: as pets, show animals, and a form of therapy for disabled people and guides for the blind.
Jan 16, 2013, 14:35
Mini & Pony
Miniature Horses Can Be Trained to Overcome Many Challenging Obstacles
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| O'That Frito Bandito AKA Chip, Kay Morris, Phoenix, AZ in Halter Obstacle walking a teeter-bridge obstacle. |
So you think that your mini is too small to be competitive in driving, or driving in competition is just not his thing? And he is not a halter horse? Then you could think about Driving and Halter Obstacle classes! These classes are fun, exciting, thrilling and challenging -- challenging for both the horse and handler.
To make a good obstacle horse takes time and a lot of patience. You don’t make an obstacle horse overnight. Patience is a virtue when training an obstacle horse. Once you have accomplished training a good obstacle horse, you will find it rewarding every time you step into the ring. Halter obstacle horses must be two years old and obstacle driving horses must be three years old. In the show ring, there are certain obstacles such as a wooden bridge, cones, mail box, logs for backing through, plastic water pools, scary objects and more that make up the course according to the course designer and national association rules. The design of the course must be posted in the show office two hours before the class so the exhibitors have a chance to see the layout before the class. At the start of the class the judges and course designer will walk along with the exhibitors to answer any questions one may have regarding the obstacles and course layout.
Aug 20, 2012, 14:12
Mini & Pony
American Miniature Horse Regional Championship Shows Announced
The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) is excited to announce its annual Championship Shows that are held in the Eastern, Central and Western sections of the United States.
The Championship shows offer an opportunity to view some of the most beautiful and talented Miniature horses in your own corner of the world.
The Western Championship Show will be held at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, Oregon on July 20-22.
Jun 26, 2012, 01:23
Mini & Pony
Boy and horse inspire people around the world
Miniature therapy horses Mozart and Cloudburst went to visit a young man named Joseph with Pompe disease who was in the hospital participating in a painful clinical trial. The trial could one day help young children. Joseph had dreamed of meeting a real horse but had never seen one in person before that day. When Mozart saw Joseph he walked over on his own and gently put his head in the young man's lap. They stayed there together and after a few minutes Mozart just closed his eyes, ignoring everything going on around them. He refused to move away from Joseph, something he had never done before, except to walk along with him next to the wheelchair. He stayed with his head resting in Joseph's lap for over a half hour until it was time for the young man to return to his room.
Several days ago Joseph wrote about Mozart in a letter that was shared Facebook with photos of their time together. People from around the world were inspired by the brave young man and the special horse and began sending messages to Joseph and Mozart. By the next morning thousands of people had heard and responded, from North Pole, Alaska to Texas, California to Maine, South Africa, Bulgaria, Ireland, Sweden, Argentina, Australia, India, France, Finland, Germany, Canada, England, Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt, Nairobi, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, New Zealand, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, French West Indies, Greece, Kenya, Italy and more. The messages of encouragement continue to arrive.
Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses visit over 18,000 adults and children each year.
This is Joseph's letter:
May 22, 2012, 11:09
Mini & Pony
American Miniature Horse Association Reaches Milestone
It’s Official! The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) recently registered its 200,000th horse.
AMHA member Sheri Lykken of Shortview Miniatures in Whitesboro, Texas is the lucky owner of the horse that pushed AMHA’s registrations to unsurpassed heights. The yearling colt is registered as “Shortviews 200K”. Ms. Lykken received a custom monogrammed blanket for her horse, courtesy of Valhalla Tack and Miniatures.
This milestone proves that the AMHA is a sound Miniature horse breed organization. While the horse industry as a whole has been experiencing a downturn, the AMHA has enjoyed new growth and continues to reach new members. The AMHA typically welcomes 80-100 new members each month, and last year registered over 5200 Miniature horses.
Apr 24, 2012, 15:23
Mini & Pony
Miniature Therapy Horse on TIME /CNN list of "History's 10 Most Courageous Animals"
This week TIME /CNN published a list of history's ten most courageous animals.
"Animals have often shown bravery in extraordinary circumstances. TIME takes a look at some of history's most courageous animals."
The Top 10 Heroic Animals included Bucephalus, the famed steed of Alexander the Great, Togo the sled dog who brought serum to save Nome when diphtheria broke out in 1925, Stubby the WW1 hero war dog who became a lifetime member of the American Legion and later became Georgetown University's mascot, Simon the British cat known for his heroic voyage down China's Yangtze River (her obituary appeared in TIME magazine in 1949), a heroic dog in Japan, New Zealand's Moko the dolphin and ...a miniature therapy horse named Magic.
Magic was also AARP's 2010 Most Heroic Pet In America and included in Newsweek/The Daily Beast Most Heroic Animals of 2010.
Apr 25, 2011, 11:43
Mini & Pony
American Shetland Pony Nominated for USEF Horse of the Year
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| Michelle LaGrotte-Barcus and her Modern American Shetland Pony Heza JackRabbit, who has one two National Championships in Modern Roadster. Rabbit is the first Shetland Pony to be nominated for the Horse of the Year title. (Photo courtesy of Howie Schatzberg) |
Heza JackRabbit, a Modern American Shetland Pony, may only be 46” tall but he just became larger than life as one of five horses from the entire country in the running for the USEF Horse of the Year title. Rabbit, who is registered with the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC), is a six-year-old, black stallion and Reserve National Grand Champion Roadster Pony.
“I am very excited for Rabbit and for the American Shetland Pony Club,” said Michelle LeGrotte-Barcus, the proud owner of Rabbit. “I am honored that he is the first Shetland Pony to be up for the Horse of the Year title. I told Rabbit about it and he was excited too, but he thinks his nomination means he gets extra Nicker Makers which are his favorite treat.”
Dec 27, 2010, 12:46
Mini & Pony
American Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies (And One Dog) Thrill Crowds During 77th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago
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| Some miniature horses stayed home and watched the 77th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV while American Miniature Horses and American Shetland Ponies from Bertrand’s Miniature Horse Ranch took part in Chicago’s biggest holiday tradition. This year Susie, a Rat Terrier from Bertrand’s, also took part in the parade. (Photos courtesy of Aurora Bayington) |
The American Miniature Horses and American Shetland Ponies who marched in the 77th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago may have been small in size, but they were big on thrilling the crowd. The Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies, along with one Rat Terrier named Susie, all came from Bertrand’s Miniature Horse Ranch in Watseka, Illinois, to take part in the holiday tradition that featured 400,000 people lining the parade route.
The Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which features gigantic inflatable helium balloons, marching bands, floats and entertainers, is the biggest holiday parade in Chicago. While “big” may have been the theme, it was the small equine from Bertrand’s Miniature Horse Ranch that had the crowds “oohing” and “ahhing” all the way through downtown.
Dec 15, 2010, 12:33
Mini & Pony
Miniature Horses Turn Heads and Win Hearts At The FEI World Equestrian Games
September 25th, 2010, the curtain rose on the largest gathering of equine tal-ent to simultaneously converge in one place since the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Germany. The world’s top horses and athletes' from around the world met at the incom-parable Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. This was the first time, in the Games history, to be held in the United States. Internationally renowned musical art-ists performed at the Opening Ceremonies and there was a “Global Trade Fair” that showcased exquisite artistry and merchandise. There was something for everyone.
In another area of the Horse Park was the “Equine Village”. Here you could visit the Hall of Champions, the Horse Museum, the new ”Gift from the Desert (the art, his-tory and culture of the Arabian Horse), the “Kid’s Corner” and the “Clinician’s Corral”. Some of the Clinicians that were there, were: Pat Parrelli, Clinton Anderson, John Ly-ons, Tommie Turvey, Double Dan Horsemanship, Guy Mclean, Diane Olds Rossi, and many more. The infield of the race track hosted several different team sports like Polocrosse and Horse ball. The biggest draw was the Equine Village Arena. Here talent from across the United States and around the world was showcased. There were horses of all descriptions and breeds, and many different disciplines. Just to name a few, there was Dressage, Jumping, Reining, Vaulting, Driving and Drill Teams (including our own Miniature Horse Driving Drill Team).
Nov 28, 2010, 13:24
Mini & Pony
Miniature Horse Shows Off High Jumping Skills and Gets Crowd On Their Feet During Opening Ceremonies at Syracuse Invitational
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| An American Miniature Horse named Royal Oaks Impressive Rolex showed off his jumping skills during the opening ceremony of the Syracuse Invitational Sport Horse Tournament. Rolex, owned by Stephanie Himlin of New York, is a five-year-old gelding that is registered with the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). (Photos courtesy of Stephanie Himlin) |
A tiny American Miniature Horse named Royal Oaks Impressive Rolex showed off his jumping skills in a big way during the opening ceremony of the Syracuse Invitational Sport Horse Tournament. Rolex, owned by Stephanie Himlin of New York, is a five-year-old gelding that is registered with the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR).
“This was the second year that Rolex took part in the opening ceremony and people remembered him from last year and it was a great success. The opening was a real crowd pleaser and people were going nuts,” Himlin said.
Rolex had big hooves to fill, as he performed in front of Olympic horses from all over the world. “Rolex did the opening act on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and was also in the Parade of Breeds. We did one jump to get the crowd on their feet and then we stood by the military and the gentleman who played the anthem on his trumpet,” Himlin said. “It really was beautiful. As soon as the trumpet ended, they introduced us and then the first Olympic horse entered.”
Nov 19, 2010, 13:25
Mini & Pony
Hackney Ponies Added to the Excitement at the World Equestrian Games
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| Lieutenant Dan, a Hackney Pony owned by Georgia Blevins of Blevins Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky, gave a high stepping, action packed driving demonstration at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. The American Hackney Horse Society is located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. For more information on Hackneys, visit their website at www.hackneysociety.com. |
Early Edition, a high stepping Hackney Pony, took part in a driving demonstration at the Equine Village at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, much to the delight of the crowd who gathered around to find out more about the glamorous, eye-catching Hackney. Early Edition, owned by T.J. and Georgia Blevins of Blevins Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is an American and Canadian National Champion Hackney Pleasure Pony.
Blevins said she was thrilled to be asked to perform a demonstration with Early Edition at the World Equestrian Games and was pleased that so many people were introduced to the breed. In addition to winning the Canadian National Champion Pleasure Pony title in 2009, the flashy Hackney, who is trained by Matt Schuckert of Debonaire Stables, also won the Championship at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show in 2010.
Early Edition was bred by Bent Tree Farms of Virginia and started his career as a Road Pony, becoming the 2002 World Champion Four-Year-Old Road Pony Champion. Under the ownership of the late Jane Mueller, Early Edition switched to the Pleasure Pony division where in 2006 he became the World Grand Champion Pleasure Pony.
Nov 10, 2010, 14:06
Mini & Pony
Two Lucky Youths Win Miniature Horses Through Essay Contest at American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship
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| Danielle Bode, of Missouri, won the 12 & Under Youth Essay Contest at the 2010 American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, taking home a Minature Horse named Cross Country Tangled Up In Blue. The Miniature Horse was donated by AMHR member Belinda Bagby, of Cross Country Farm. (Photo by Washburn Photography) |
Dreams came true at the 2010 American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when two lucky youths took home their own Miniature Horses after winning the Youth Essay Contest. Orry Williams, of Kentucky, and Danielle Bode, of Missouri, each took home a Miniature Horse donated by longtime AMHR member Belinda Bagby and her Cross Country Farm.
Williams won a mini named Cross Country Lola, after an award-winning essay in the 13 – 17 Youth Essay Contest that said, “My reason for wanting to win this miniature is that I do not have one of my very own. Ownership is a great feeling! I could teach it so much. I would care for and train this mini for show. We would do drill team, halter, driving and maybe even costume contest. I would be an excellent owner to a new member of our family.”
Oct 23, 2010, 12:15
Mini & Pony
The American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry Partners with The American Driving Society
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| The American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) has partnered with The American Driving Society (ADS). Driving is a favorite pastime, as well as serious sport, for many Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen O'Grady, Pegasus Photography) |
Fans and owners of Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses know that their small but mighty equines make great driving partners, a fact that is proven in carriages at shows and farms all across the country. The American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) is now celebrating the driving skills of their small equines in a big way – by partnering with The American Driving Society (ADS).
“America’s love affair with small equines has been going on for many years, and for just as many years part of that love affair has included driving our small equines,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC/AMHR. “Partnering with The American Driving Society is a natural step for our organization and we are pleased because we know it will benefit our members, especially those involved in driving and those interested in learning more about driving.”
The ASPC/AMHR is becoming a Breed Partner with the American Driving Society as a way to promote Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses and the discipline of carriage driving. “Through this partnership we will be on our way to helping each other grow the Shetland and Miniature Horse presence in the American Driving Society,” said Susie Koos Acker, of the ADS.
Oct 23, 2010, 12:10
Mini & Pony
American Shetland Ponies and American Miniature Horses Wow The Crowd at The Secretariat Festival In Kentucky
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| Chuck McCallister, of Tuigpaarden Farms in Ocala, Florida and Shelbyville, Kentucky, gave a harness demonstration with his award-winning pony Seamair All That Glitters during the Secretariat Festival in Paris, Kentucky. The Secretariat Festival may have been celebrating the life of the famous Triple Crown winner, but Glitter got the crowd on their feet with her fancy, high stepping action. |
While the recent Secretariat Festival in Paris, Kentucky was all about the famous Triple Crown winner called Big Red, some of Secretariat’s smaller equine cousins put on a show during the festival that brought the fans to their feet. Members of the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) wowed the crowd with a driving exhibition, costume contest, jumping and halter demonstrations.
Chuck McCallister, of Tuigpaarden Farms in Ocala, Florida and Shelbyville, Kentucky, gave a harness demonstration with his award-winning pony Seamair All That Glitters, a double registered American Show Pony and American Hackney Pony. “Glitter is part of the American Show Pony Registry that was created by the American Shetland Pony Club in 1995,” said Zona Schneider, Director of Operations with the ASPC/AMHR, who was on hand for the Secretariat Festival. “The American Show Pony Registry includes Hackneys, Shetlands and Shetland/Hackney crosses that measure 48” and under at the wither. American Show Ponies are sought after as impressive athletes and are a crowd favorite when they drive into the show ring.”
Oct 21, 2010, 12:59
Mini & Pony
American Miniature Horse Drill Team, The Arizona Mini Mystique, Will Perform at the 2010 World Equestrian Games
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| The Arizona Mini Mystique, an American Miniature Horse precision driving drill team, will perform at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. The Mini Mystique will perform daily, October 3 -10, as part of the WEG Showcase Entertainment in the Equine Village. (Photo courtesy of The Arizona Mini Mystique) |
The Arizona Mini Mystique, an American Miniature Horse precision driving drill team, will bring their team of small equines to the biggest equestrian event in the country when they perform at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. The Mini Mystique will perform daily, October 3 -10, as part of the WEG Showcase Entertainment in the Equine Village at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“Appearing at the World Equestrian Games is a huge honor for The Arizona Mini Mystique and we are so proud to have them representing the American Miniature Horse Registry at the biggest horse event our country has ever seen,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). “The Arizona Mini Mystique have been wonderful ambassadors for the AMHR for many years. They have taken part in other big events including the 2007, 2008 and 2010 Rose Parades, the Stampede in July 2009, and the Del Mar National Horse Show.”
Sep 14, 2010, 12:13
Mini & Pony
Big Surprise For Small Equines - American Miniature Horses Competing At National Championships Receiving SuperMask® Fly Masks From Farnam
American Miniature Horses competing in the National Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are in for a big surprise thanks to Farnam Companies, Inc., a longtime sponsor of the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championships. Every mini competing at the show will be given a SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask.
As a strong supporter of small equines, Farnam has produced the SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask in two sizes and three styles for small equines. “The products that Farnam has developed for small equines are really beneficial, and the American Miniature Horse Registry is thrilled that Farnam will make the National Championships that much better by giving out 1,500 SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Masks,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the AMHR.
Sep 14, 2010, 11:31
Mini & Pony
Big Surprise For Small Equines - American Miniature Horses Competing At National Championships Receiving SuperMask® Fly Masks From Farnam
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| Farnam Companies, Inc., a longtime sponsor of the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championships, is providing every Miniature Horse competing at the show a SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask. The American Miniature Horse Registry National Championships is going on now at the Expo Square Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 9 -19th. |
American Miniature Horses competing in the National Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are in for a big surprise thanks to Farnam Companies, Inc., a longtime sponsor of the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) National Championships. Every mini competing at the show will be given a SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask.
As a strong supporter of small equines, Farnam has produced the SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask in two sizes and three styles for small equines. “The products that Farnam has developed for small equines are really beneficial, and the American Miniature Horse Registry is thrilled that Farnam will make the National Championships that much better by giving out 1,500 SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Masks,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the AMHR.
Sep 14, 2010, 11:31
Mini & Pony
The Stable Scoop Radio Show Features Small Talk About American Shetland Ponies and American Miniature Horses
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| One of the voices of the small equine was Jackie Tyler of Emerald Glenn Farm in Woodville, Wisconsin. Tyler discussed the benefits of small equines and laughed that “small equines are like potato chips, you can’t just have one.” Diane Zmolek also mentioned the fact that the ASPC/AMHR has recently partnered with The American Driving Society (ADS). (Photo courtesy of Jackie Tyler) |
Fans of Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses recently had the chance to listen to some small talk about their favorite small equines on the Stable Scoop Radio Show. Hosts Glenn the Geek and Helena Bee welcomed three Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse experts to the Stable Scoop show, where they talked about the benefits of owning small equines and the fact that the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) has partnered with the American Driving Society (ADS).
Larry Parnell, the President of the Board of ASPC/AMHR, kicked off the show by sharing the good news that children and adults of all ages love Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses. Parnell, who is a trainer and competitor of small equines, explained that Shetlands and minis are very well rounded and versatile. Small equine breeds not only make good family pets, but are also serious competitors that compete in halter, jumping, driving, costume and youth classes on the national level.
Sep 13, 2010, 22:57
Mini & Pony
Youth Wins Shetland Pony in American Shetland Pony Congress Essay Contest
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| Jada Wright was the lucky winner of the American Shetland Pony Club’s (ASPC) Youth Essay Contest at the Annual Shetland Pony Congress Show in Oklahoma. Jackie Tyler, of Emerald Glenn Farm in Woodville, Wisconsin, donated the pony, Naughty By Nature EGF. (Photo by Washburn Photography) |
The annual Shetland Pony Congress Show, a competition highlighting the best small equines in the country, turned out to be a big event for one young member. Jada Wright, of Byars, Oklahoma, wrote the winning essay for the American Shetland Pony Club’s (ASPC) Youth Essay Contest, and took her own American Shetland Pony home from the show.
Jackie Tyler, of Emerald Glenn Farm in Woodville, Wisconsin, donated a two-year-old gelding named Naughty By Nature EGF to the youth essay contest and was pleased that Jada won the contest. “She was really happy about winning,” Tyler said.
Tyler, who also donated the winning pony to last year’s youth essay contest, said she decided to donate Naughty By Nature because he is a good prospect for a youth, has great brains and attitude and also has lots of color. “I enjoy giving a pony to a child who wants to really and truly work with it and show it. I think it makes children turn into better adults,” Tyler said. “A child learns to take the good with the bad when looking after a pony or horse. The pony can give you a bad time but you still have to keep going, no matter the weather or if you don't feel good. You still have to get out there and take care of your pony.”
Aug 29, 2010, 16:24
Mini & Pony
Farnam Adds New Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award At 2010 American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship
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| A new Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award has been added to the American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship Show. Sponsored by Farnam, one lucky youth member will win a year’s supply of Vetrolin® grooming products during the AMHR National Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 9 – 19. (Photo courtesy of Terry Washburn) |
American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) Youth members now have even more incentive to get their Miniature Horses shining from nose to tail, thanks to a new Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award that has been added to the AMHR National Championship Show. Sponsored by Farnam, one lucky youth member will win a year’s supply of Vetrolin® grooming products during the AMHR National Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 9 – 19.
“The American Miniature Horse Registry is really pleased that Farnam, the makers of Vetrolin® products, has added the Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award. We will also have the AMHR Nationals Open Adult Vetrolin® Grooming Award as we have in the past,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Miniature Horse Registry. “The National Championship Show brings out the best minis in the country we want to say a special thanks to Farnam for helping us recognize our best groomed horses and for providing this generous and amazing prize to one youth and one adult competitor.”
Aug 29, 2010, 11:45
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