by Andrea Chancellor
Spring and summer shows in Shawnee, Oklahoma, promise excitement on “mini” levels, featuring equines of various breeds — all miniature.
The 2025 events have multiple moving parts, including judged sessions, hundreds of exhibitors, a Mini Stampede, Red River Shootout, Last Chance showdown, Fat N Fuzzy mini training show, classes, clinics, and carriage clinics. Managers have added 200 pony classes to the events, which are scheduled from March through August at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, 1700 West Independence Street.
Exhibitors will be treated to a pizza party, a silent auction, a drawing for a free mini horse or two, and programs focused on people with special needs, said Ruby Priore, 2025 show manager.
A mini horse or donkey is typically less than 38 inches tall. The breeds are known for helping people who have disabilities or for serving as emotional-support animals. Other mini animal breeds are about the same size as their horse cousins.
So are we ready to rumble, as they say? Check the calendar. The tentative show schedule is:
- March 27–29: Fat N Fuzzy Training Show and Clinic
- April 24–27: Red River Shootout
- May 15–18: Mini Stampede
- August 1–3: Last Chance Showdown
Sponsor of the events are the American Miniature Horse Registry, American Miniature Horse Association, Pony Pinto Horse Association of America, and American Buckskin Registry Association.
One event is named for what it showcases — fat and fuzzy (FNF) entertainment. Why fat and fuzzy?
“Early in the show season, most horses have not been clipped because the weather is too cool, so many of them are not in show condition,’’ Priore explained. Consequently, the minis might appear a little fat and, well, fuzzy. The FNF shows will be judged and will include balance and control clinics. The FNF showings are open for any mini equine.
Classes will include color, halter, hunter, and in-hand driving, Priore said. Exhibitors will have a chance to learn how to show their horses, and experienced exhibitors will pick up pointers.
Working with Miniature Horses
Priore became involved with miniature horses more than 35 years ago, although she had been showing since 1966. Originally, she had wanted to become a veterinarian. Instead, her passion led her back to horse shows.
Over the years, Priore has worked with shows or served on show staffs for more than a half dozen mini associations. They include the Central Oklahoma Pinto Horse Association, the Green Country Paint Horse Show, the Color Breed Congress, the Oklahoma Buckskin Association World Show, the Palomino World Show, and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association.
She is also a massage therapist, so her training allows her to set up booths at some places and give massage treatments to horses and people.
It’s well understood that horse training requires a lot of patience, Priore said, and the process can be very rewarding but also frustrating.
“Horses are like any other animal or human … some learn things faster than others.”
Getting Ready for the Shows
The Oklahoma Miniature Horse Club Inc. (OMHCI) is one of many associations working to put the program together. Mini horse exhibitors come from all parts of the United States.
Entrance to the shows is free, and entertainment is family friendly.
Christi Luca, Shawnee Exposition event and marketing manager, said crowds in the viewing stands tend to increase in size from show to show as word gets out about the mini animals.
Instead of earning ribbons, winners in the various events will receive “funny money’’ that can be used to purchase grooming supplies, Priore said.
For more information, you may reach Priore at (918) 576-1452 or by email at PintoHorseLady@yahoo.com. On the Internet, go to OMHCI.org.
