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'THEY'RE KIND OF ADDICTIVE' Pint-sized equines Interest grows in raising miniature horses, competing in arenas Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM A look at miniature horses --> Not much bigger than a large-breed dog, miniature horses are identified, by most standards, as being 34 inches or shorter by age 3, but they have been measured as small as 20 inches. Accordin... » Read more X A look at miniature horses Not much bigger than a large-breed dog, miniature horses are identified, by most standards, as being 34 inches or shorter by age 3, but they have been measured as small as 20 inches. According to the American Miniature Horse Association website, just one of a slew of registries for miniature horses, the pint-size equines are derived from years of breeding between smaller-breed horses, some of which were the product of harsh climates and limited resources, and ponies. The animals, which live about a third longer than larger horses, are used for everything from driving and being kept as pets to serving as guide animals. Online: www.amha.org/about-us/about-the-breed » Social News Garnering a pair of world championships at the American Miniature Horse Association championship in Fort Worth, Texas, earlier this month, Eagle Point pastor Garret Harrington says he never imagined his passion for equines would find him winning with horses that are hardly taller than some larger-breed dogs. Harrington has ridden and competed on horseback since childhood, but a car accident more than a dozen years ago ended his riding days — and, he thought, the chance to compete in an arena. A chance encounter with some friends who were "driving" miniature horses quickly lured Harrington into the sport. As part of a growing community of miniature horse owners in the Rogue Valley, Harrington says the pint-sized equines are proof that size doesn't dictate personality or ability. Miniature horses involve the same level of commitment and enjoyment as larger breeds, minus the riding aspect. "A few years ago, a friend of mine, on a whim, invited me over to meet a friend of ours and take a miniature horse out for a drive — and that was it," Harrington said. "At first, I got a couple miniatures as pasture pets, but I'm competitive by nature, so it wasn't too long before I was looking for ways I could show." Harrington purchased 4-year-old Maverick in February and knew right away he would compete with the spunky buckskin. With the region "well represented" at the world event, Harrington caravanned with a large group of miniature-horse owners from the Rogue Valley. In addition to Harrington, Eagle Point resident Lisa Brostad placed in six world categories with her buckskin pinto, named Oak Bay Rogue Valley Edition. Kendra and Nathan Bell of Klamath Falls and Rachel Williams of Grants Pass competed as well. Brostad, who co-owns The Horse Blanket equestrian supply in Central Point, said the shop has expanded its miniature horse offerings in recent years to accommodate growing interest. With her own brood of minis, Brostad admits to enjoying driving more than riding. "They're kind of addictive. I have six, maybe eight. They're affordable, low maintenance and smart as a dog," Brostad said. "For a lot of people, if they have had horses but they want to downsize, the miniatures just fit the bill. You can do everything but ride these little animals. I came from years of doing hunter jumpers, and when I first saw women out there driving with beautiful, elegant evening wear on these gorgeous horses, I looked at my husband and said, 'I have to try this,' " she said. Roberta Hardy, also of Eagle Point, said she and her daughter, 14-year-old Olivia, will head to the world show next year, equally as smitten with their growing herd of minis. "They're a lot of fun and it's easy to end up with quite a few. My husband thinks we have five. We actually have nine right now," Hardy said with a laugh. "Since we've been working with minis, I've essentially stopped riding my big horse as much. The driving is so much fun, and the minis have so much personality." Olivia, vying for the family's 10th mini when a leased horse is delivered in coming months, said she's sold on driving as well. "I've been around horses most of my life, but we started the minis two years ago, and we're just really having a lot of fun with them," she said. "They're not stubborn like (ponies), and they actually have quite a big personality, like regular horses. At first, I used to wonder what someone would even do with the minis. They're so small. But it really just depends on the horse, just like the bigger ones. Some are lazy, and some have lots of energy." Just like the bigger ones is a description Harrington said he couldn't agree with more. Of his newly dubbed champion, Harrington says Maverick has no realization of his small stature. "He's named Maverick. And it's not off the cowboy movie, but off of "Top Gun," Harrington explained. "Because he's short and full of himself!" Reach Medford freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected]. By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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