I grew up in the small farming community of Walkersville, MD. I developed a passion for horses very early and my favorite childhood memory was when my mom would take me and my sister to a local stable and ride. Growing up, it seems that most of my friends had farms, and I loved being around the animals. So six years ago, my dream of having a "mini" farm came true. We moved into our dream house after a snow storm in December 2003. What a mess that was!

Our priority then was to build a horse barn for me and a mechanic shop for my husband David, which we built ourselves, along with the help of a few friends. As the saying goes, "build it and they will come." And so it was with the animals. Everyone knows my love for animals. Because of this love and being a pushover, my list of animals continues to grow. My husband said "no more," but you never know when another animal will steal my heart.

My day begins several hours before I go to work. It's 5:00 am and the alarm is buzzing. Two barking shelties, Tiffany and Brady, and one Pomeranian, Chance quickly let me know its time to get up. Four hungry kitties are meowing indicating a new day has begun at "summer Meadows Farm". This wonderful 26-acre farm, with its spectacular views, can be found on a quiet country road outside of Walkersville.

Summer Meadows is also home to two big horses, Jackson and Kelly; eight miniature horses, Ariel, Sienna, Beau, Lacey, Promise, Bojangles, Huckleberry and Cody.  Than there are three miniature donkey, Tucker (see picture) Liberty and her son DJ.  I purchased Liberty in May 2005 as a companion for Tucker.  The previous owner said there was a slight chance that she was expecting and sure enough, she was.  The long anticipated birth was very exciting because it was the first baby born at Summer Meadows Farm.  Liberty's baby was born at 11:58 P.M. on 6/6/06 and quickly earned the name DJ which stands for "Devil Jack," a name that fits him perfectly.

My love for minis began many years ago during my first visit to the Maryland Horse Expo with my sister Wendy.  During the breed demonstration Valhalla Farm's Phantom trotted out in the ring accompanied by a huge applause.  It was a love at first sight!  I told my sister right then and there that I was "going to get one" (or two) and was determined to own one as soon as possible.

My first mini, which was boarded at my sister's farm while our new house and barn was being built, was a 9 year old red roan stallion named Cody.  You couldn't catch him, get anywhere him, and he bit and kicked!!  I should have known that this sweet looking little horse was not what he appeared to be when his owner was afraid to enter his stall!  However, I fell in love with him, purchased him for "a steal" and took him home anyway.  He was gelded and after spending countless hours with him I was able to gain his trust and he soon became that sweet little horse that stole my heart.

Of course everyone know that "you can't have just one" and before I knew it more minis started magically appearing in the paddocks.  I once saw my hubby counting and then ask "was that one there yesterday"?  Happily grazing in the fields are: Sienna (a fluffy sorrel and white pinto mare), Ariel (a striking black and white pinto mare), Beau (my tiny little spirited black and white stallion), Huckleberry (a very special little sorrel gelding that I rescued when he was found thin and starving in a backyard), Lacey (a beautiful palomino mare with one blue eye and a blaze face), Promise (a tri-colored pinto mare with a big star and kind eyes), and Mr. Bojangles (a colorful blanketed appaloosa gelding that I drive and show at the Mason Dixon shows).  This spring I hope to start a small breeding program and can't wait to welcome tiny little foals to Summer Meadows Farm.

I also enjoy participating in various events at the Great Frederick Fair head each year in September.  Mr. Brojangles and I made our 2^nd appearance in the cart and buggy parade (see photo) and for the past 5 years my minis have also been on display at the Equine Expo which also is held each year at the Frederick Fair.

Even though this unusually snowy winter proved to be somewhat of a challenge for our tiny equines and their owners I still consider myself lucky to share my life with such wonderful creatures.  While most of my city friends are relaxing on their decks, I can be found riding a tractor with the manure spreader attached, or driving Mr. Bojangles in preparation for the next show, and maybe I will saddle up Kelly and gallop across the fields.

"God forbid that I should go to any Heaven where there are no horses."

R. B. Cunningham-Graham

If you are ever in the Walkersville area feel free to stop in for a visit.

Melissa Clabaugh

www.summermeadowsfarm.com