Hey Kid's welcome
to the world of the small equine. You can find out about Miniature Horses
and Shetland Ponies on this web site and on this page there's always cool information
just for kids!
Use Your Imagination
For Costume Class
Did you ever want to dress up like a super hero or pretend you were the
president, a football star or a ballerina? Well now you can do just that
with your small equine. And you don't have to wait for Halloween either.
 At
Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Shows and many local 4-H shows there is a
class called Costume Class where you and your small equine can dress up like
just about anything you can dream-up. The class is a lot of fun and planning
and making your costume can be a family project. Here are some photos of
the costume class. And you can get the complete class rules in our rulebook
online! So let your imagination run wild! And we'd love it if you'd
email us a photo of your costume!
 Smart
Small Equine Safety Tip
Never wrap the end of your lead shank or lead rope around your hand if
your horse or pony pulls. The rope or lead can tighten around your hand and
cause a serious accident. Always bunch the extra lead or rope with your
hand around the rope so you can let go if you have to!
Do you have a safety tip to share ? We'd love to put your tip on the
Website. Simply email it to us with your name and contact information!
Grooming Basics
Did you know that small equines should be groomed daily? It helps keep
their coats shiny and it is also a chance to check your mini or pony for
cuts or bites or any other problems.
Step one: Curry your pony or mini with a rubber curry
comb going in circles to loose dirt. Avoid the lower legs and face.
Step two: Use a stiff brush (or dandy brush) to remove
the loose hair and dirt. Follow the direction of the hair and flick the
brush often to lift off the dirt. Avoid the face with this harder brush
but do the entire leg.
Step three: Using a soft brush, (or finishing brush)
brush the entire animal smoothing the hair into place with long gentle
strokes. Also do the face with this softer brush, following the direction
of the hair.
Step four: Using a hoof pick, clean all four of the
animals hooves. Get an adult to show you how to do this and practice with
an adult until you've got it down.
Step five: Using a damp washcloth or clean soft rag,
wipe the outer area of the pony's eyes and nostrils. Be gentle. And do not
take your Mom's good wash clothes and towels from the bathroom for this or
else!
Step six: Use a hairbrush or wide toothed comb and
gently comb out the mane and forelock. Work through the hair from the
bottom and be carefully not break or pull out any hair. Next, comb out the
tail by pulling the tail off to the side of the horse so you are not
standing directly behind the horse. Start at the bottom and gently work
your way up the tail detangling a little at a time. Do not break or pull out
the tail hairs. Work with an adult the first few times to make sure you
are standing in a safe place.
 Step
seven: Stand back and admire your clean horse or pony, but don't
be surprised if the pony rolls in the dirt as soon as you are done!
Fun Pun
You know that an Appaloosa is a horse with spots on his coats.
Miniature Appaloosas can have a blanket of spots on their rump or spots all
over their bodies like a Dalmatian dog! So...
Question: How do you get an Appaloosa?
Answer: You shaka da tree!
| 
