I figure I have a pretty unique perspective, so I'll throw it on in here, lol.
I have loved horses all of my life and have always ridden the big ones- whether my discipline be jumping, reining, or barrel racing. I didn't grow up in a horsey family, but my dad says that whenever we drove by horses in the car I would just stare at them in awe. I have always loved being around them and riding, but there was always this fear I had- they were so big! Thusly, since I was ten, I knew I wanted a miniature horse. My parents finally caved when I started having seizures at 16, making it too difficult for me to ride, and I got my little man about 2 weeks ago.
I like the minis more than the bigs. Why? They are adorable, easy to work with, and you never have to be afraid. They are cheaper and a lot less work- I no longer spend 2 hours in the barn scooping poop, I spend 10 minutes and the other hour and 50 minutes playing with my horse! Plus, I don't have the facilities to ride, nor the monthly cash required of boarding. Minis are the perfect animal for horse lovers.
Coming from a newbie teen's perspective, the advice I would give to the industry is to make it more exciting! I find halter and jumping to be absolutely thrilling, but when I watched mini chariot racing on youtube, I was stunned! Think of the horsey sports kids like- barrel racing, jumping, reining, etc. They are EXCITING! They have their trademarks in adrenaline- whipping around the third barrel coming home, those jaw-dropping spins and sliding stops, covering a 4-foot jump with ease! I know that if more exciting events were created with kids and dare-devils in mind, we could really market those and grow more participants and viewers. Racing, "extreme" obstacle courses, freestyle "dancing", etc. People see a mini horse and think "aw, that's cute", and kids don't care (well, normal kids, of which I am not, lol). So... There's my idea.
Also, as far as classes are concerned, there should be more that aren't as competitive and are good for newbies. For example, I think Liberty is the perfect class for newbies because it doesn't necessarily require any training, and you get the creative license of picking a fun song so you can show off your horse. We need more classes like this! I think there should be some way that kids and people who haven't shown much before can still win ribbons, also, even if their horse isn't the greatest. I think classes alter the perceptions that the public has about minis, and if we have fun, exciting, youth-friendly classes and events then people won't look at us and think we're uppity and boring with our halter and pleasure driving.
I also completely agree with the whole horses vs. "media" argument, because I know that when my mom asks me to clean my room after I've been wallowing on the computer or 3DS for 2 hours, I'm probably going to be reluctant, angry, and petty about it. Ask me to clean my room after a day with my horse and I'll be more than willing! When I come out of the barn I feel rejuvenated, happy, and blessed to be alive, though I know I will face horrors on the inside when my seizures inevitably return and render me worthless and exhausted. My horse is something I hold onto, someone who's always there for me, who brings me outside, forces me to work, forces me to think and try, forces me to get exercise and sunshine and makes those moments that I am with him beautiful and precious. Kids need an animal so they can have the same experience- one of the many reasons why I am a huge advocate for shelter animal adoption.
Finally, breeding. Do I think it's worth it to try for a foal? Absolutely! But not at this point in time when there are so many horses wasting away in abandoned paddocks or waiting for a home that will never come. If you are planning on keeping your horse, great! I have sympathy for people who are breeding solid, great-quality animals, but I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who are breeding unshown, poorly built, or poorly bred animals. That is irresponsible and selfish. If I would ever consider breeding, I would only breed a mare who was at least in the top ten at worlds or nationals. Otherwise, I really wouldn't see the point, despite a "great" pedigree.
Anyway, there's my piece. I know that miniature horses could be as "public" as thoroughbred racing with the proper branding, shows, and advertising. We need to bring more kids to the mini side.
