Event Showcases Little Ponies

By Chris Howell, Newson6.com

TULSA, OK -- It was a tiny stampede as the American Miniature Horse Registry held its championship in Tulsa this week.

"This is where the champions all come at the end of the year to see who is the best of the best.," said Heart L Ranch owner Lori Guglielmo.  "There are over 1,200 horses here competing for various titles. It's very prestigious.  We have people coming from all fifty states."

"This little boy has only been weaned from his mother for about a week, and has only been trained for halter for about two weeks, at the most.  So, he's doing quite well and he's a lot of pony," said Linda Tibbs.

But, the judge's keen eyes are looking for those special little horses that best represent the ideals of the miniature horse.

"Standard of perfection, what we're striving for in our breeding programs.  We want somebody to take a look at it and say that is a horse in miniature. They weigh approximately 250 pounds on average.  They're a little easier to handle so a lot of people find them attractive that still want to have equine but don't want the hassle of a larger horse," said Lori Guglielmo.

Win or lose, there is always a lot of love in the miniature horse business.

"They're always there for you.  Always happy to see you.  And, no one's ever mad at you," said Linda Tibbs.