2017 Miniature Horse World SUMMER Issue | Page 4

editor’s notes by Melissa Powell A s a 40 year veteran of horse ownership (holy cow), I would categorize myself as being very experienced. Add to that, the 20+ years of AMHA experience and I was certain my Miniature horse knowledge was above average. Then I stumbled across a Facebook page entitled, MINIATURE HORSE DISCUSSION BARN. You’ll find no condemnation or snide remarks on this page. Skillfully administrated by Marlene Graves, Tracey Dodsley-Waite, and Jill Bennett-Carpenter, witnessing the posts from foaling season alone was enough to make me start a “what can go wrong when foaling” 2 Miniature Horse World SUMMER 2017 file, one I can refer back to when it’s my turn for sleepless nights. It is also my plan to share their tips and ideas here in MHW (check out page 41). Take my advice, follow them on Facebook and you’ll be as astonished as I at what you’ll learn from the over 3,000-page followers. Hats off to these fellow Mini owners for a job well done! Foaling for most is winding down now and for some, long summer days stretch ahead that will allow time for horse shows, parades and other events. There has never been a better time to own a Miniature horse. Therapy situations in schools, airports, and hospitals continue to pop up all across the country. Thanks to thoughtful, caring Mini owners, more and more people are being allowed to get up close and personal with our horses. There is a quaint Miniature farm in Belgium that has found a way to not only breed, train and promote their beautiful horses, but to incorporate helping others into their daily lives as well. Get to know Farm Little Creek on page 29 of this issue. More and more large horse owners are adding Minis to their herds with happy results. As you sell horses, be sure to encourage new owners to join AMHA and transfer each horse at the time of the sale. These small steps help keep new to Mini enthusiasts informed, excited and involved. This year the very popular World Show edition of MHW will have an earlier deadline- don’t let it sneak up on you! August 2 is the final day to accept ads and remember the World Show Program is accepting ad space as well. In fact, you’ll get a two for one deal if you appear in both! Email [email protected] for details. Summer months bring their own challenges in horsekeeping. Heat, sweat, and flies, just to name a few! Scan this issue for some help with these rituals of summer. Like me, I hope you’ll also delight in the peaceful pastime of watching the horses graze in the bright sunshine. Tell us what you’re doing with your horses this summer. Drop me a line at [email protected] and you might just see your horse in the pages of Miniature Horse World!