Tiffany's Web Page
March 19, 1994 - September 20, 2009
Tiffany wearing Ribbons and Bows
Tiffany was our first-born American Miniature Horse Mare. We were devastated as she passed away on September 20, 2009 at Tuft's University Hospital from a rare internal anomaly. She was a beautiful golden "Buckskin" with jet black socks, dorsal stripe, tail and main. When I delivered her, she weighed about 18 pounds and loved to be picked up and held. She enjoyed being led into the house and knew how to nudge open the frig to look for carrots! She's was in smallest size category "A" and was only 31 1/2 inches tall. She was very healthy during her entire life and loved to hike country trails, rocky terrain and even crowded city sidewalks. She was conditioned at an early age to feel comfortable in almost any situation. Loud noises, traffic and crowds or other animals didn't bother her.
Tiffany "visits" the house and knew where to find her carrots!
Miniature Horses are much smaller than Ponies and often live to age 30+ because of careful breeding practices. They are simply very small but require the same care and feeding as full size horses. Mini horses do not need horse shoes but must have their hooves trimmed every few months. Their hooves are sort of a counterpart to fingernails and grow much the same! Full size horses require the same trimming process and if riden have metal shoes tacked on. Horse shoes reduce chances of chipping or uneven wear to the horse's hooves from rough or hard surfaces. Sometimes rubber shoes are used to improve traction on soft or slippery surfaces.
Mini's are occasionally used as guide horses by sight impaired people because they can often outlive their K9 counterparts by 15 years, are stronger and have equal intelligence. Full size horses that are not ridden on hard surfaces may get by without shoes, but there are many other circumstances to be considered including hoove condition and relative hardness. It's interesting to note that generally black hooves are harder than the lighter colors. Horse shoeing, trimming and associated processes are a science that require a great deal of training, experience and is hard work. If hooves are not trimmed to proper angle, depth and shape, legs, joints and bones may be compromised.
In the Spring, horses shed their winter coats while a beautiful new short one grows in. Shedding is more noticeable where seasonal temperatures vary by a large degree. Here in New England, our mini's grow healthy, soft and thick coats and thus have no problem enduring winter weather when turned out on nice days. Our mini's have a beautiful barn with comfortable stalls and all the amenities.
My wife prepares to feed Tiffany and Cabaret. Tiffany stands up and "begs" for her food!
In recent years, we had just two mini horses, Tiffany and her mother Cabaret "Cubby". When younger, they were both very successful show horses, then Cabaret was retired at age 4 to become a brood mare. (to have babies). Tiffany was first born and was always my favorite. After 15 healthy years, she unexpectedly left us for greener pastures in the sky. She will never be forgotten. Cabaret is still very healthy and we provide her with exceptional affection and care to offset her loss.
Tiffy pulling me in a small cart! Mini's are surprisingly strong for their size.
