FAO Schwarz Catalog

[Hosscrazy]

Ok, you guys know I'm not one to post "come look and see" type posts...but someone just sent this over to me. It's a miniature horse for sale in the FAO Schwarz catalogue...he arrives "read to be ridden"...

While it may be nice that someone comes along with information about how to care for a horse, I just can't say I'm very excited about this one...

Miniature Pony

$15,000.00

Imagine your very own precious pony. FAO Schwarz brings that dream within reach. This miniature purebred makes a perfect companion for young horse lovers. This full-grown pony has a buckskin coat and a soft thick mane and arrives ready to be ridden with a monogrammed FAO Schwarz halter and lead, and a Western saddle. Your pony is escorted home by a specialist who is there to offer complete information on caring for a new horse.

Please call the Division of Local Government for your county to check out any specific regulations. Owing to the size and nature of these ponies (under 36 inches and used solely as pets), they should be considered domestic animals rather than farm animals. The pony comes complete with current health papers stating which vaccinations were given. The pony will need a small outdoor area with protection.

http://www.fao.com/catalog/boutique.jsp?pa...&categoryId=403

 

[chandab]

 

[nootka]

I guess if the right person purchased it, it would be ok, but to turn them into "novelties" I never like to see.

I guess all the little "rich kid wannabes" will want one, now. Probably not the best idea.

Wish I could get that price for the mare I have for sale that's broke for kids! *LOL*

Liz M.

 

[mountain_waif]

....

 

[Tony]

That is great! What terrific advertising for miniatures. I have hoped for years that Neiman Marcus would put a pair in their Christmas catalog, which gets worldwide distribution. At the price, if it sells, and most of their super rich listings don't, I believe that you can rest assured that it will go to a family very capable of providing it with the very best of care. The "big ticket" items are usually just to get people looking and talking about them and usually even get some coverage on the TV talk shows.

Keep in mind that the majority of people reading the issue will be unable to afford that offering, but it might just strike a little attention and cause them to call someone in their area to find out more. I really have concern for the "knee jerk" reaction of many on this board in only looking for the bad in so much, that in my opinion, can be very good for the industry.

P.S. Great picture with the size of the little girl perfect for the horse.

 

[RebelsHope]

Although you make a good point Tony, I still fine it very disturbing. I just called. They were very friendly and the gentleman I talked to informed that you can submit a comment if you go to the website, click on customer service and then on contact us. I don't think a few gentle e mail explaining that a mini is a livestock animal and that they should not be ridden is not out of line.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

WOW 15.000 bucks think what that will do for our market when they call local breeders and see the much more reasonable price in there area

I dont see it as any different really then minis or other animals being given away in raffles or lets be honest even sold online you dont know "who" your horse is going to really.

edited to add...

I really think this is MUCH better publicity then housebroken horses or poor little dwarves pulling fake carts and such this shows a cute little girl with a cute little mini not to fine boned to hold a small child and again .. think how reasonable our prices will seem compared to the 15,000.

 

[horsehug]

I agree with you, Tony.

I often hesitate to post because it seems to me that so many are so SUPER critical and also always looking for the bad in others. I have always at least "tried" to look for the good in people and circumstances until they prove me wrong.

That picture of the little girl and horse are adorable! And I also see it as a positive thing for the mini industry, that so many feel is glutted. But I often feel and find from my own experiences, that there is a large untapped market for these wonderful little horses we all love.

Excellent post and way of looking at it, Tony

Susan O.

 

[Miniv]

Thanks Tony. My first thoughts were -- Wow, what a great marketing gimmick! The photo is wonderful!

Then, I thought -- and oh my.....we mini breeders have a lot to teach those folks that see that add and start making phone calls!

MA

 

[Dona]

Although you make a good point Tony, I still fine it very disturbing. I just called. They were very friendly and the gentleman I talked to informed that you can submit a comment if you go to the website, click on customer service and then on contact us. I don't think a few gentle e mail explaining that a mini is a livestock animal and that they should not be ridden is not out of line.

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"should not be ridden"?????????? Poppycock!

Miniature horses are perfectly capable of being ridden by "appropriate" sized children under supervision.

I repeat "appropriate" sized children under supervision.

I know of an Orion son who belongs to a friend of mine who is only 30" and has been ridden by children his whole life. (in between being a show horse!) You can tell he adores giving rides & and it has never hurt him in the least! I know of many others too....including some of mine.

I think that is one of the biggest selling points of Miniature Horses. The fact that small children are not as intimidated by them & can ride them & gain confidence until they are big enough for larger mounts.

I don't understand the concept that Miniatures are "delicate" and can't support any weight on their backs. They are HORSES and any MATURE Miniature should be able to hold 20% of their own weight on their backs for short rides, with absolutely no problems.

 

[jdomep]

OMG - When I was a little girl I would have circled that one for Santa for sure

I sure hope it does boost the mini market - I wonder if they have a whole heard that looks like that...

 

[REO]

I don't care for the idea, but then I'm not all about the money. I like to know who is getting my "babies" ahead of time and approve. I have turned down selling to some people in the past based on what they said they would do with my horse. I'm NOT judging what others chose to do, just saying what "I" chose to do. No, you can't control the actual care or where they go after that, but I do my best for mine.

I just saw a farm listing on eBay that included their small herd of minis that go with the place. But they did say they would be there to advise if the buyer wished.

I don't know, but I like to have some say who buys my horse. I've turned down larger amounts of money, but sold to the right people for much less. To me, it's all about the love.

Everyone has their own way of doing things and this is mine.

 

[Tony]

Oh, dear. I didn't realize that we were forbidden to ride them. My dad's horses, I guess, should have been taken away from him, when I rode Midnight, 31", in several parades when I was five.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Probably should just edit my posts out. I have never found it difficult to teach people about miniatures, and nicely. Don't kill the "golden goose." I know from first hand experience that we as miniature breeders have developed a reputation for an "attitude" that many organizations have realized, that sometimes it is just "not worth the trouble" to work with us.

Publicity that I certainly couldn't afford, but perhaps others of you could. I prefer to take advantage of the situation, rather than criticizing it.

 

[RebelsHope]

How every you get your jollies Tony.

I have always been under the impression, from knowledgable people on this board as well as what the breed assoications say, minis are not meant to be ridden. I don't know how many times this subject has come up since I have been on here, but it has been more than once. Oh and where was the word forbidden, I seem to recall that my words were.. shouldn't be...

So maybe you are right... maybe your dad's horses should have been taken away.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

Awwww a little tony how very cute what a great pic...

Just out of curiosity.. how many of you rode little shetlands as kids I know I had one really he was the same size as some of my minis are now

Now that said the build and size of both mini and child should be taken into consideration

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Well folks, I'm with Tony on this one. This can't hurt us and only help in the long run taken with that old grain of salt. I love the old pic Tony! When do we get one of the grandbaby on his!

Let's not turn this into a silly war ok?

EDITED: Shame on you Rebel. Let us not get personal and rude. This is a public forum and we are a family. We have agreed to not always agree but there is no call to be mean or rude.

Your(Rebel) quote: So maybe you are right... maybe your dad's horses should have been taken away.

Not nice not nice not nice....rebel.

 

[minimomNC]

Actually if you read the ad for the miniature horse it states that in the price is included someone to help you learn about how to care for your new mini. And that the health papers and vaccinations are up to date, how many go through an auction with that much going for them? I don't think its a bad idea and if gets the breed out there for more to see and learn about then it may be worth it.

And as an Update since it was in a round about way brought up, the colt that our miniature horse club raffled off went to a member of the club who in turn gave him to a little girl and will continue to help his new owners learn more about him and how to make him a happy horse. He is going to be in a loving home for a very long time.

 

[Dona]

How every you get your jollies Tony.

I have always been under the impression, from knowledgable people on this board as well as what the breed assoications say, minis are not meant to be ridden. I don't know how many times this subject has come up since I have been on here, but it has been more than once.  Oh and where was the word forbidden, I seem to recall that my words were.. shouldn't be...

So maybe you are right... maybe your dad's horses should have been taken away.

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I'm sorry....but I think you may have "mis-understood" what some people meant when they said that Minis should not be ridden. There have been a few circumstances where photos have been posted of larger kids (sometimes adults) riding Minis. Several have posted at these times, that Minis should not be ridden. (by people too large for them....or riding immature Minis is also a nono!)

But....common sense should tell anyone with horse knowledge, that a Miniature is just a small horse. They can very safely carry weight appropriate for their size....and do in many cases. I know of someone who has a small boy who actually use to do barrels & roping from his Mini! It was so cute...and the boy was the perfect size for his little mount! Most of the time children small enough to ride minis are too young to know how to ride by themselves. But this little horse was very well trained.....and his little rider was as well! They were really impressive together!

Question....do you also think Minis are too "frail" to drive? One would think if you don't think Minis are capable of being ridden, you would think they shouldn't be driven either.

Minis often pull much more than their own weight when driven, for long periods of time.......and pound for pound, have been known to outpull much bigger Draft horses.

 

[RebelsHope]

The mechanics for driving and riding are much different. Different parts of the body are used in different ways. Minis were bred to pull. Many pit ponies were actually miniature horses. In arecent article, one of the assn. was qutoed as saying that the do not support the ridding of minis. Unfortuanting for me I can not find that article at this moment to give you the detail.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

And as an Update since it was in a round about way brought up,  the colt that our miniature horse club raffled off went to a member of the club who in turn gave him to a little girl and will continue to help his new owners learn more about him and how to make him a happy horse.  He is going to be in a loving home for a very long time.

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Dont get me wrong I think that raffling a mini "can"be a great idea for fundraising I was just using it as a comparision is all