The Old Gray Mare

Musings about Draft Horses and Miniature Horses



Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2011

by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com

I’m always writing or blogging about my favorite subject. Everyone already knows I am fond of horses – and that I like them in all sizes and shapes, from gigantic horses to the most diminutive ones.

There are giants among horses. The draft breeds are huge, powerful and mighty animals, yet they are gentle giants, calm and kind.

As a small child, I was often perched atop Hugo, a large German draft while he was led around by an adult. I was bareback, nearly “doing a split” sitting astride him. Whenever no one was directly watching me, I’d sneak over to Hugo when he was turned out. He’d drop his huge head down to my level and I’d scratch between his ears. I would lead him to the fence by strands of his mane, as he patiently stood still, waiting for me to clamber up on him. He was so tall that I had to climb to the top horizontal plank, balance myself, and sort of jump launch onto his back, catching on my tummy and then swinging my leg over. It did not occur to me that Hugo could have moved or stepWorld's Tallest Horse, Begian Draftped aside. I think it was because of Hugo that I fell in love with horses. To this day I maintain a special love for the big guys.

Who has not seen the Budweiser beer wagon with its team of Clydesdales? They are delightful, handsome creatures that are docile, flashy, strong and genuine crowd pleasers. I appreciate that Budweiser continues to advertise and promote their company, products and Clydesdales in what I deem to be classy commercials.

Have you ever observed a well-trained draft horse team at the plow? Have you ever seen a pulling team at the fair? They are remarkable when it comes to harvesting timber in tight spaces or difficult terrain. They are fiercely strong, giving heart and being to get the job done.

I must voice the single problem I have about draft horses – actually it concerns humans. These big fellows give us honest service, backbreaking work and get broken down or used up. When the time comes that these horses deserve kindness and rest, or their upkeep and maintenance becomes too expensive, or sights are set on a younger model, these older, loyal animals are sent to the auctions. I won’t belabor what happens to these draft horses at and after auctions. Unfortunately, and it is a horrific fact, most of these noble horses are bought for their weight by slaughterhouse killers. Their end is cruel, sometimes even barbaric.

Already well into adulthood, I learned about one miniaturized horse breed, the Falabellas. Since then, miniature horses have become extremely popular in the United States, Australia and internationally. They are tiny versions of standard horses and are distinctly not ponies, as any breeder of these little horses will tell you.
Giant Horse and Thumbelina, smallest horse in the world
Even my mother fell in love with these little jewels during the National Miniature Horse Show during the musical Freedom Class. Each entry was led into the ring, and when the handler was ready, he or she turned the horse loose. The little show-off would run, jump, romp, twirl, rear up and dance with the music at the discretion of the handler. It was an amazing class and the little horses were amazing, small but mighty.

I own two miniature horses. Both were raised at Iona Farm, and were originally earmarked for a special project at the University of Connecticut. As luck would have it, UConn was all set before the little boys arrived. Now they’re mine.

Sebastian is 29 inches and Cooper is 33 inches. They are lively, spirited little imps, with heaps of horsy intelligence and vigor. Adorable? You bet they are. Naughty? Oh yes – they’ll work it. Sweet? They are really cute.
Thumbelina, smallest horse in the world
One thing that these little guys have too much of is winter hair. Mother Nature has endowed them with wooly coats that grow to insane lengths. Good grief, their coats grow early for the cold season. I call them our “billy goats” because they get all this fuzz on their faces.

I wouldn’t trade having horses around. My Saddlebred, Patrick, is our “watchdog” and announces anyone that pulls into the yard. Truth be told - If not for horses, I would be sedentary. The horses get me up in the morning and keep me going all day. Horses contribute to the beauty, purpose and activities in my life.

Perhaps Winston Churchill said it best (author’s note: editorial privilege on last word), “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a [wo]man.”

The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her blog sites.
Heidi Rucki brings expertise as a horsewoman, dog lover and stained glass/mosaic artist. She is an accomplished freelance writer in the horse industry. Writing online as The Old Gray Mare, many of her current articles can be found on www.DressYourHorse.com. In the past, Rucki wrote for numerous horse organizations including The Connecticut Horse Council. She took early retirement from Phoenix Home Life where she wrote mutual fund prospectuses and was responsible for their submissions to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Old Gray Mare writes to share knowledge and her love of horses for everyone but especially for novice and new horse owners. Besides her two main websites, she has recently published three new blog sites. Of those, her favorite is www.BeautyOfHorses.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Dianne Lehmann
 282 days 12 hours ago.
137 fans.
Hi Heidi.

I love all your "horsey" articles!

I've had the chance to observe minis at the Equistar shows. Each show is begun with a mini driving class. I think they are cute but "my" horse is frightened by them. Crazy hunh!

I had the good fortune to know a black Percheron for a couple of years. He was the biggest, sweetest stallion. He loved hugs and just hanging out together. He was rescued from a Premarin farm. I'm sure I don't have to explain that bit of nastiness to you.

Anyway, thanks for the photos ... and the memories ... yours and mine.

Hugs,

Dianne
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