Hay Dude!

Say hello to Hay Dude, a three year old Miniature Horse gelding.  He may look like a regular sized horse in the photo, but Hay Dude stands less than 34" tall at the shoulders.

Although I have previous experience with horses, I knew relatively little about Miniature Horses.  I was curious about these gorgeous little horses and did extensive research before I even began looking for a horse to buy.  I wanted to learn as much as I could so that I could provide the best home and care possible.  Just because they're small, it doesn't mean you can keep one in your back yard to keep the grass down.  As is true with any other pet, they require adequate shelter, a proper diet, space for daily exercise, grooming, veterinary care and training.  

I looked at several horses in the spring of 2003, but it wasn't until I met Hay Dude that I knew I had found the perfect mini for me.  When I first looked Hay Dude over, I noticed he was kind of sizing me up, too.  And he had a sparkle in his eyes that I just couldn't resist.  Hay Dude has an outgoing yet gentle personality.  He is affectionate as well as playful.  He can also be quite the comedian which I find incredibly endearing.  As I was taking this photo, Hay Dude didn't hesitate to smile for the camera! 

 Little Wilbur Dean

In March of 2004 I was given a 10 month old miniature colt, Wilbur Dean, who was in need of a home.  Wilbur is an achondroplastic dwarf.  He has a normal size head and body, but his legs are rather short. Wilbur also has a pronounced under bite which is another characteristic that is sometimes associated with that condition.  Dwarfism is a serious genetic defect.  Depending upon the severity of the dwarf characteristics,  the life expectancy is usually not as long as a normal miniature horse.  Under no circumstances should any dwarf miniature horse be bred.  

He also had locking stifles so crippling that it required surgery on both hind legs.  So when Wilbur was gelded, I also had the vet perform the stifle surgery.   Happily, the surgery was a complete success and Wilbur is now able to walk, run and play just like any other horse.

Wilbur Dean is actually Hay Dude's little half-brother and share many of the same personality traits that I find so irresistible.  At just 29" tall, Wilbur really does look up to his big brother!  Dwarfism in the Miniature Horse by Janell Jensen is an excellent article if you would like to learn more about this condition.

Champy the Champion!

I am pleased to introduce Champy, the newest member of our family.  Originally from Oregon, Champy needed a special home.  Like Wilbur he too, has a problem with locking stifles which may require surgery.  He also has limited vision due to congenital cataracts.  At 38"+ tall, Champy is the tallest of my three boys.  He is also the sweetest and most gentle.  Despite the difference in size, Champy gets along beautifully with Hay Dude and Wilbur.  The three of them have become nearly inseparable.

 I am so honored that his previous owner chose us to provide Champy with the kind of care he needs.  Without a doubt, he has found his forever home with us!