CHINCOTEAGUE MINNOW
Minnow was born in 1993 on Assateague Island in VA. A vetran of the swim, he came to live with me in August of 2003 to be my new mounted games pony. When Minnow first came to live with me we battled with trust issues. Him not trusting me due to neglect in his past and me not trusting him and his ever present desire to run. At one point in his life Minnow was starved and locked in a stall for several months, its no wonder he had trouble trusting humans.
As I searched for new training methods to build the trust between us I came across a trick training book. This simple book soon began to open a whole door of communication between Minnow and I. Minnow discovered that learning was filled with hugs and treats and I quickly found that he would do anything for food. Trick training has built a special bond between us. Minnow now has a long list of tricks that he loves performing for anyone that will watch (his favorite being painting of course).
In March of 2008 Minnow was diagnoised with ringbone, a form of equine arthritis. At the young age of 15 he was no longer able to be ridden or compete. Fortunately Minnow is still able to do what he is passionate about, paint.
Minnow is my first trick pony and he will always hold a special place in my heart. Everyday he amazes me at his capacity to learn new things and accomplish new goals. We share a special friendship that will last forever.
-Kyley S. Hellhake
