Imagine being surrounded by a herd of miniature horses!
Several times this summer I had the chance to sit among a herd of miniature horses with my camera. Since I knew I was going to be on the ground and the mini horses would be surrounding me I brought both my Nikon cameras. One with my wide angle lens and one with my zoom lens mounted. I suspected the photos would be very up close and personal. As a kid I remember being surrounded by a litter of red Irish Setter puppies from our dog, Misty. Misty had three separate litters and I can still recall how fun it was to sit on the floor and have puppies jumping all over me. Each puppy wearing a different colored collar my mom made of cloth so we could tell the difference. Being surrounded my miniature horses was similar but I was a bit more cautious. Although these minis are small they still weigh much more than puppies and one kick could do some damage. The miniature horses were hesitant and curious. They approached slowly to be sure I was safe and inspected my camera equipment closely. Once they got used to me and realized I was not a threat, they started to graze and I was left to start snapping photographs.
These miniature horses had the most beautiful long golden manes and forelocks. They varied in color from tan and white to all white to a dark brown and white. The youngest in the herd was a 4 month old little white colt. He was no bigger than some dogs I know. During my first visit he was pretty hesitant to get close to me but at my next visit he was almost crawling in my lap. 
He even was willing to pose for some selfies. It was pretty windy that day so I think my mane was blowing more than his. In just a few weeks between photo shoots he had already grown a few inches and his color was starting to change. He was shedding out his all white baby coat and developing some tan coloring. He was so sweet as he nuzzled up next to me.
Besides the striking mane, tail and forelock of these miniature horses there was also one with one blue eye and one brown eye. I’ve seen this many times before and I think it’s so strikingly beautiful.
Miniature donkeys for an extra added bonus!
Just as fun and curious were the miniature donkeys. These two could easily provide horse meme’s for a long time to come. They were both willing to pose for a selfie with me!
What classifies as a miniature horse?
Usually less than 34-38 inches tall. Just like full size horses, they are measured from the withers to the ground. They are considered horses by their respective breeds.
What classifies as a pony?
Ponies are small horses too. However, ponies often have thicker manes, proportionally shorter legs, and thicker necks. Larger ponies can be ridden. Mature ponies are typically less than 58″ at the withers. Ponies also tend to be more stoic and intelligent than larger horses.
I will be adding photos of the miniature horses and donkeys to my gallery exhibits, the Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour AND they are all featured in my newly released 2018 Miniature Horse Photo Calendar available NOW!
Click the LULU button right here to get your copy of the 2018 Calendar.
Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Arts Prescott Gallery CO-OWNER, Dragonfly Arts in Cottonwood and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch, Prescott Family Diner. Jody is also participating in the Prescott Area Artists’ Studio Tour Oct.6, 7 and 8, 2017