Ronald Welch
How were you introduced to Miniature horses?
My journey with Minis started in 1975 on my oldest daughters 8th birthday.
My wife’s uncle brought a pony down for the birthday party. That started the
ball rolling and about two weeks later we went to a local horse sale where we
bought a cute little pony. Big mistake, the pony was so wild you could not even
put a halter on it. A local horse trader was at the sale and he traded a really nice
pony for the wild one. The new pony was awesome. My daughter named her
Flicka and they were a perfect match.
What activities do
you participate in?
We have gone to some youth fun
shows and during a summer festival in town, I talked to the pony
ride people and they told me they
had Miniature babies at home. Of course we bought one, a beautiful palomino colored one, Golden
Boy. We started showing him the next summer and went to a show that had farm pony cart class.
We decided that was awesome and that fall we bought a pony cart and started driving. The next year
my 10 year old daughter showed at the Iowa State Fair in the pony cart class.
What are your goals for you and your Miniatures in the future? My grand kids and
I are all driving Miniatures. I am putting on horse races at Lee County Fair and two of my grand
kids will be racing Miniatures there as well. I have a vision in the back of my mind that someday I’ll
have a six horse hitch of Miniatures to drive.
Barbara Banks
How were you introduced to Miniature horses?
I was introduced to Miniature horses about six years ago by a good friend
of mine, Debbie Thomas. It was love at first sight! I bought my first two as
soon as I could. That same friend then introduced me to Jackie Davis, who
owned a team of Mini’s that he would show. He let me drive his team and
needless to say I was hooked!
Why do you drive?
Honestly I drive because I’m too old to ride! At 60 years young, I drive
because it brings me peace. My worries and problems go away for a while. I
enjoy the challenge of guiding my horse and seeing the beauty around me.
I enjoy answering people’s questions and the fact many of them have never
seen a mini and cart. And you certainly can’t dismiss the eyes and smiles of
c hildren when they ask to pet.
Driving a mini can bring its own unique set of challenges.
What has been your biggest challenge and what did you do
to overcome it?
I own two driving horses. Each one of my boys have totally different personalities. One is laid back with an “I can do this” attitude. He needs to be
pushed once in a while as he gets lazy and/or sloppy. Often he needs to be
reminded “who’s the mama”, but he works his heart out for me. Judges at
the shows have commented, “You really love that horse”. And, yes, I do. I
guess it shows.
My other boy is very insecure. Sometimes he jumps at his own shadow. He
thrives on “good boy, you can do this”. I am challenged by him, letting him
know I have the confidence in him. I always ask for a little more, praising at
the smallest accomplishments.
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How has your Mini enriched your life?
My Minis have taught me so very much. Most of all they have
given me confidence in myself. I have learned if I work for it,
I will achieve it. They have taught me patience and respect.
What I give them they give back two times over. Never in my
dreams did I believe I could achieve so much or love two little
horses so much.
What are your goals for you and your Miniatures
in the future?
My future with my two boys is to be the best we can be. I show
for the fun of showing and pride in our accomplishments. The
have blessed me with quite a few ribbons, which makes me
proud. That’s my “Good job girl” from them. The sky is the
limit for us.