The original breeding stock for miniature horses came from the ‘pit’ ponies or Shetland ponies used in the coal mines of Wales and England. Their descendants still exhibit impressive strength for their size, and our ponies often surprise people with what they can pull and carry.
Janette raises registered miniature horses as well as some Shetland crosses, and uses them to introduce children to the joy of riding, driving, grooming, and handling ponies. Many of her animals have been to the county fair, summer camp for handicapped children, nursing homes, and farm education events for elementary students. They are 28-36 inches tall, and gentle and friendly.
Kindergarten Farm 
July 22, 2019 at 11:59 am
Dear Kindergarten Farms,
I belong to a horse club and we do activities for children using the horses of members who have full size horses. I am contemplating acquiring a string of about 4 or 5 mini horses or ponies more specifically for use with our children’s programs and therapy type uses. For riding programs I would like to target children in the 8 to 11 year old range. I am wondering if the right size of mini horses or Shetland/mini crosses could be obtained that could be ridden safely by children in this age/weight range. They would have to be large enough but also gentle enough. Would it be possible to devise a specification for the right size pony/mini horse for this and how hard to find them? Also, would I need smaller and different animals for using inside buildings for therapy type settings, such as nursing homes or hospitals? What are your thoughts and recommendations?
Thanks,
Pete Messmer
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July 22, 2019 at 2:49 pm
Hi, Peter,
This is Laura. Janette has more expertise, but doesn’t use the internet, so I will do my best to answer. The mini horses/ponies she raises have been used in the ways you describe. Several years ago, she donated an animal or two to to Smiles, a riding program for special needs children, run by a friend of hers. My daughter and I helped her take several of her ponies through a nursing home last month to visit, and to ARC special needs summer camps as well. They behaved very well. My 6 children have grown up riding them, and I have been impressed at their calm personalities and good manners. As we are training, we occasionally get some bucking, etc, but most saddle train without it. Once they are trained, they are pretty reliable. They are strong enough to be ridden by a small adult or older child, which helps with teaching them their rein signals and such. As far as size, I believe most of Janette’s ponies are in the 32-38 inches. Where are you located? You would be welcome to come look at what we have. Would you like for me to ask Janette if she has any she would recommend and be willing to sell? If you would like to continue to communicate, please email kfarmsheep@gmail.com or call or text 402-910-5761. I may not see a message on this right away. Thank you,
– Laura
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July 22, 2019 at 7:10 pm
P.S. After re-reading your comment, I realize that I didn’t answer your question about developing size specifications. The size of 8-11 year olds varies greatly of course, but I think that a range of sizes would serve you well, since you plan to get several. For a therapy setting, the calmness of the horse is probably more important than size. The best way to find out what size you need is probably to visit some, preferably with a child. If you come see ours, I can make sure some of my children (ages 3-16) are there to ride and show you the ponies. We are located near Humphrey, Nebraska.
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