FAO Schwarz Catalog

[Bess Kelly]

My children both had ponies. These ponies were NO BIGGER than some of my minis and were ridden far more than many have suggested here

My son didn't outgrow his mini due to his size, but the introduction of little motorbikes!

Never a problem with those animals. And, I'm looking forward to having my grandaughter begin riding some of my minis very soon

Heck, I've got a couple back there that could carry ME, if bareback

Added: the one in my avatar is only 31" and that's me next to him. I'd have no issues with hoping on a 36-38" B mare

But then, I'm not going on a cross-country jaunt. These guys, matured, are tough little beggers.

 

[TLCminis]

Obviously, we TOTALLY agree with Tony Greaves and the others who see no fault in children riding the miniatures as long as common sense is used as to the weight of the child and the build of the horse. Buttons has been ridden at one time or another by most of our grandchildren, not to mention the HUNDREDS of Pony Parties we've hosted and he is certainly one of the least abused or misused horses that ever lived! Bravo to the person who thought of this wonderful publicity for our little horses!! I hope they get their price and the precious little horse gets a wonderful, loving & pampered home!!

Leslie Cunningham

TLC Miniature Horse Farm

 

[Hosscrazy]

I think there's been some VERY interesting discussion here, and some very good points brought up...but...I still don't like that live horses are being advertised in a "toy" catalog!!!!

 

[susanne]

Added: the one in my avatar is only 31" and that's me next to him. I'd have no issues with hoping on a 36-38" B mare

Cool, Bess, does that mean I could ride Mingus? Just kidding! He's very refined and I'm...uhhh...not. Darn.

I think common sense tells us that some minis are just fine for riding (at least with small children) and others are not. If I only could have had such a pony when I was little (and I was really little back then!)

I'm not sure how much this will realistically promote the breed, but I think they've taken a fairly responsible approach by not suggesting that they're dogs or house pets, by sending an advisor, and by recommending that the prospective buyer check with local ordinances.

The problem I see is from both buyer and seller's perspective -- no chance to see how the child and horse get along or to pick just the right horse. Even a mini can take advantage of too meek of a child.

 

[susanne]

By the way...Mingus would like nothing more than to have his own little girl...do you suppose FAO Schwartz would have one of those that I could buy for him?

 

[Hosscrazy]

I think for $15,000 Mingus can have ANYTHING his little heart desires!!!

 

[susanne]

I hear you can pick one up for about $50 at auction...

Oh, shame on me! That's terrible...but I couldn't resist!

(Good thing you guys all know I'm kidding!)

 

[jlh]

Re: I hear you can pick one up for about $50 at auction...

yeah, but you have to be careful, at that price the kid'll probably be wormy and will need all there shots.

 

[susanne]

Spppffffsssshhh!!!

That's the sound of me spitting my coffee all over the monitor and keyboard...

Johnice, you are worse than I am!

 

[runamuk]

OK does mingus want to go to all the trouble of becoming a licensed foster home and matching a little girl only to have the state decide at last minute not to let him adopt.......or mingus has 30,000 to 50,000 lying around to adopt from russia or china etc......

If mingus needs any references I'd be honored to give him one

 

[jlh]

Spppffffsssshhh!!!
That's the sound of me spitting my coffee all over the monitor and keyboard...

Johnice, you are worse than I am!

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yeah, probably, but then again, I didn't have anything to drink when I read your comment, so my screen is clean.

not a bad idea tho, come to think of it. I'm sure there's plenty of us who sometimes thought they've had a kid adopt them for at least a little while.

 

[TLCminis]

Just wanted to make one more point... those criticizing the person who got their horse into the catalog.... that is BY FAR better advertisement and better publicity for the minis than those who take their horses to flea markets to sell. Those little horses leave with anybody who has the cash and with no assurance whatsoever that they'll even go to a home with the basics needed for their care. THOSE are the people who deserve the criticism.

Leslie

 

[tracerace]

I know I'm late on this, but I wanted to say that the mini in the catalogue was sold. It was one of their "one and only" items that get the attention of the rich clientelle (and this board , just like the $1million dollar monopoly board.

 

[Getitia]

Interesting................

Pictured is our son riding Panda his wonderful pony - they grew up together and created some wonderful memories - they were many times walk trot State Champion (she could have been a hardshipped in as a B mini - we just didn't know back in " those days" about miniatures

) - our son "sadly" outgrew Panda - who then found a wonderful home with a Senator's Daughter in DC and she repeated the cycle again.

I had forgot to add and this is significant given the reason for the initial post - Panda was our Son's Christmas present when he was 5 years old- She was not viewed as a Toy, was not discarded and was his most cherished gift of all - and taught him more about responsibility than any toy/gift he received in his entire life:yes:

I also personally received a horse one year for christmas - it was certainly my favorite gift of all time......maybe what today's children need are more small equine to love and enjoy and less computer games....................jmho

So yes, I do bet that "regardless of the time of year received" some individuals soon loose interest in their gift - be it a dog, horse, or ????........but then for others it becomes a life long "love affair".............................oh, and Tony - adorable photo

Okay - off to the Nationals! Now why oh why did my father purchase me that horse back in the early 60s.........just look at me now - addicted (thanks Dad)

 

[Mercysmom]

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

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My first pony I rode was a Shetland who could have doubled as a B mini. I have two minis broke to ride and they enjoy when the saddle comes out and they are very patient with their little riders. There have been nightmarish videos of overweight adults getting on large horses and the horses staggering...if the kid is appropriate in size for the horse he's riding I say it is OK.

While Tony's points are good (I got to think a bit more after reading this thread), I don't know if I necessarily agree with marketing a mini like this, as original as it is (which beats the work I am going through to try to sell a horse right now) and how envious I am of the price he sold at. HOWEVER, in the ad, it does say a trained specialist comes with the mini and if someone was a newbie, they would have the services of someone experienced to help. Wonder what the return policy is?! And the photo is cute... and can be applauded as it is not a dwarf and is appropriate for the little girl pictured... however again, as a former riding instructor, I hope the parents get the trained specialist to give the kid proper lessons with appropriate safety gear for the kid's noggin as kids do fall and can get hurt around horses of any size.

Something like a "trained specialist" to accompany a new RV owner might have helped the poor woman who, while driving her RV, put it in "cruise control" mode, thinking it was the same as "autopilot" and she went back into the kitchen to get a snack. The RV went off the road and rolled and was totalled. She survived to sue someone as it was not explained to her that cruise control means you have to be in the driver's seat. A trained specialist might help in preventing litigation cases.

Guess there will be many views on this as there are stars in the sky. I better go get my cup of coffee!

Just my 2 cents... enjoy! Tony, I liked your picture on your pony!

Denise

Silversong Farm

 

[mizbeth]

I loved Tonys' picture too!

Looks just like him except the hair color has changed!

 

[_minihorses4ever_]

I just had to add my two cents.

I agree, it will be good for the industry.

Maybe will boost us breeders sales

Surely get them more regocnized

BUT ( I know you saw that coming

)

I hope minis don't go into the wrong hands, or them start being way over populated! I also don't really like the fact that they are referred to as a toy. They aren't a toy, they are a HUGE repsonabilty! I just don't want to see people that don't do their research and just go and buy one, and them not relizing that they are STILL HORSES no matter what their size.

 

[Hosscrazy]

I also don't really like the fact that they are referred to as a toy.

Phew!!!! My point exactly!!!

 

[REO]

My hubby just told me a lady called today saying she wanted one of our minis to put in a catalog! He said he can't remember the name, but he told her to talk to me (call back) Now I'm wondering who it was!

I asked him if she said FAO schwartz and he said no. *shrug*

 

[CountryHaven]

My hubby just told me a lady called today saying she wanted one of our minis to put in a catalog! He said he can't remember the name, but he told her to talk to me (call back) Now I'm wondering who it was! 

I asked him if she said FAO schwartz and he said no. *shrug*

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Maybe Nieman Marcus decided not to be outdone!