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Tuesday March 17, 2009 Edition
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Raising Falabellas: They’re Horses Not Mushrooms

Enana is a Falabella mare who came
from the original Argentinean herd. She
is 26 inches tall and has a wonderful
disposition with children, animals and
tasks asked of her.
photo provided
Enana is a Falabella mare who came from the original Argentinean herd. She is 26 inches tall and has a wonderful disposition with children, animals and tasks asked of her.
Sedrick is a four year old stallion with beautiful blue
eyes. He has spunk, spirit and a lot of skills to share with visitors.
photo provided
Sedrick is a four year old stallion with beautiful blue eyes. He has spunk, spirit and a lot of skills to share with visitors.
Showing the size of the babies is Willow a ½ Falabella
who is about a week old in this photo. Notice the size of the water tub in perspective.
photo provided
Showing the size of the babies is Willow a ½ Falabella who is about a week old in this photo. Notice the size of the water tub in perspective.

Tuesday March 17, 2009

By Cookie Steponaitis

    The Falabella, bred originally in Argentina, South America in 1868 is a mixture of Andalusian and Spanish horses that came from the conquistadors and has a long and unique history that makes it one of the rarest of today’s famed miniature horses. Falabellas are between 28 and 34 inches in height and closely resemble Arabian and Thoroughbred horses in their size and confirmation. However, because they are so small, Falabellas are ridden only by small children and are shown in hand classes, driving classes and hand jumping competitions not exceeding three feet. Over the past forty years a growing interest in the breed has brought them to America and now to Vermont.

    Located at 3493 Lime Kiln Road in New Haven, Vermont, Little Dreams Come True Miniature Horse Farm owned and operated by Dawn & Charlie Shepard has become the only Vermont equine breeders of these sharp little horses. Both Dawn and Charlie have been involved with horses and dairy farming from birth and came to love the miniature horse breeds as early as the 1980’s. “It was about 1985 or 86,” recalled Dawn. “Phil O’Brien had a miniature horse that he had acquired from a player from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I teased Charlie to take me over to Phil’s to see the horse. When we went and I saw Murphy, who was a gray stallion, I fell in love with miniature horses on the spot. Time did move on a bit and it wasn’t until 1992 that Phil saw Charlie again and wanted to sell Murphy. He came to us that year and we have never looked back.”

    A person who is outside the miniature horse world might think it seems a bit strange to want to raise a horse for such small proportions. Dawn was quick to explain that for her the minis are wonderful for family pets, companions and for small children interested in horses for the first time. Their size is right and the horse teaches the child about respecting an animal and learning the responsibilities associated with owning a horse. The miniature horse fan base has swelled over the years and currently involves thousands of people around the world.  The American Miniature Horse Association and others like it offer any novice or experienced horseman a way to explore the many diverse possibilities for owning, raising and showing miniatures.

    Dawn herself explored several options and visited local miniature horse owners Jim & Barb Amblo at Terry Ho Miniatures. While she continued to own minis it was her own health situation that became the turning point in the opening of her dream farm. “In 2001,” Dawn shared, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew that I had to have a dream to help me push through the challenge and it also changes your appreciation for time and why we shouldn’t put off living out our dreams. I was fascinated with the story of the Falabellas and wanted to be a part of preserving this rare breed and introducing it to New England.” Helping Dawn at every step of the way is her husband Charlie who team drives, co-trainer and fellow mini horse own Jim Amblo, and avid horsewoman Jessica Kemp.

    Currently the farm houses 18 miniature horses and Dawn works with the horses to breed, sell, and start them under cart and harness training. Locally, people can see her horses at the Equine Day every summer at Bordeaux Brothers in Middlebury and by contacting Dawn at [email protected] or stopping by the farm at night or on weekends.  While Dawn is proud of her involvement in the Falabella tradition of breeding miniature horses, she also pointed out the need for Vermont agriculture to diversify in order to survive. While many people are quick to ask her if she is raising mushrooms, she simply smiles and shows them a photograph of her prize horses. Each has a unique story and as you watch her face light up as she presents each individual, you know the bond that runs between her and her equine friends is a deep one.

    The next time you are looking for a unique way to spend a couple of hours, take a drive out Lime Kiln Road and stop in at Little Dreams Come True Miniature Horse Farm and meet Dawn and her minis. You will come away with a sense of the diversity and depth of the equine business in Addison County and meet a very special woman who shares her love of horses, both large and small, with all she meets. Remember, horses, not mushrooms.


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