Results of the Survey:
Miniature Horses in the Marathon
Prepared by Marnie Hutcheson and Vel Hutcheson
We would like to start by thanking everyone who responded to the survey. You have been heard! The volume of the response by mail and by email has been astounding, and more than a little bit daunting. But finally, all the surveys are keyed into the database and the tally of your responses to the survey questions is ready.
This report is a summary of all the responses in the database. This is what you said to us. This report has been presented to the Mini Committee. It is being considered by the committee as they write the proposed rules for the Combined Driving Miniature Horse Division.
We have tried to present several representative samples of your comments as well the tally of your responses to the survey questions. A brief summary of these comments is presented here. Click here to view the long version of your comments.
HERE IS THE REPORTWe have 224 survey responses in the database. Over 75 paper surveys were submitted, (Vel keyed all of these into the database) the rest were completed online. We had about 50 additional letters on this subject via email and regular mail - these are not reflected in the database because they are not responses to the survey but they are included in the comments summary. We also had a number of paper surveys that were mailed after the June 20th deadline. Sorry, but they could not be included due to time constraints.
SUMMARY OF THE MOST COMMON COMMENTS
Note: Comments include both the comments that came on the survey and the additional letters that were received.
Pro
- 200+ commented that Minis (and small ponies) should be allowed to compete in CDE marathons, and many of these comments specified that small ponies and minis should have their own division, speeds, and distances. Additionally a majority of all respondents commented that they felt that weight limits and veterinary examinations were important and necessary.
- Many of the respondents supported 20m X 40m dressage rings, and bottom boards on hazards - to keep minis from going under things that they shouldn't. Also, that officials should have the authority to make adjustments in course and times to compensate for terrain, and special conditions whenever necessary.
- Several experienced competitors and organizers recommended marathon speeds of 7 to 9 kph for miniature horses.
- The majority of all respondents felt that the animals well being was of paramount importance, and that the amount of weight that the animal was expected to haul was a key factor. Two recurring themes in these comments were that navigators should not be required and light-weight wheels - bicycle wheels, rubber sulky or motor cycle wheels were more appropriate for these animals than wooden wheels.
Con
- 12 commented that Minis should not be allowed to compete in CDE marathons
- 2 commented that Minis should not be involved in ADS or ADS activities.
ABOUT THE RESPONDENTS
Note: The numbers presented here are the number of responses to each question. Not everyone answered every one of the survey questions.
Club Memberships:
160 of the 224 respondents are ADS members
61 are members of AMAH
25 are members of both ADS and AMAH
76 are members of AHSA
180 are Active Competitors in some discipline
180 are adults and at least 11 are juniors
Experience and Interests
152 have competed in CDEs
186 are interested in competing in CDEs
182 have competed in Pleasure Shows
Most common 'Other' Driving interests: Dressage and Distance Driving
At least 94 of the respondents compete with Minis
- Sizes reported for minis already competing:
- 27 reported they compete with minis 34 inches and under
- 21 reported they compete with minis over 34 inches
- The rest did not report sizes.
- Sizes reported for minis already competing:
94 are interested in Driving Minis in CDEs
45 are interested in Driving Small Ponies in CDEs (< 46 inches)
196 are Owners
100 are Breeders
87 are Trainers
59 reported that they were owners, breeders and trainers,
The average number of years reported by these respondents was 25+ years as owners, trainers, and breeders.
States and Provinces with more than one respondent to the survey:
|
CA 39 |
CO 17 |
NY 16 |
FL 14 |
WI 11 |
PA 10 |
TX 8 |
NJ 7 |
NC 7 |
AZ 7 |
|
VA 7 |
OH 6 |
OR 6 |
MD 5 |
MA 5 |
SC 4 |
MI 4 |
GA 4 |
OK 3 |
WA 3 |
|
IN 3 |
IL 3 |
NE 3 |
CT 2 |
ID 2 |
Alberta 2 |
MO 2 |
NM 2 |
MN 2 |
THE VIEWS OF THE RESPONDENTS
|
Bicycle wheels should be allowed at training level |
58 |
No |
155 |
Yes |
|
Motor Cycle wheels should be allowed in training and preliminary levels |
100 |
No |
108 |
Yes |
|
A maximum weight specifications should be determined and used to limit the weight hauled by an animal in the marathon. |
53 |
No |
123 |
Yes |
|
A combination of the weight hauled by the animal along with its pulse, respiration, and recovery rates should be used to determine an acceptable loading for the animal in the marathon. |
36 |
No |
161 |
Yes |
|
These last two taken in combination: Maximum Weight AND a combination of Maximum Weight and P&R + recovery |
40 |
No |
113 |
Yes |
|
Pre-marathon exams should be required for miniature horses |
59 |
No |
157 |
Yes |
|
Note: 108 respondents commented that "ALL ANIMALS SHOULD HAVE A PRE-MARATHON CHECK" |
||||
|
Singles should be required to carry navigators on the marathon (for miniature horses) |
155 |
No |
61 |
Yes |
|
Juniors under 14 years of age should be required to drive with a groom/navigator (in the marathon) |
32 |
No |
179 |
Yes |
|
Juniors over 14 years of age should be required to drive with a groom/navigator (in the marathon) |
121 |
No |
89 |
Yes |
|
Tandems should be considered with singles (since the wheeler does most of the work, but a navigator is required. Making one miniature carry two people.) |
96 |
No |
101 |
Yes |
|
Pairs should be allowed to compete at longer distances with more hazards |
81 |
No |
120 |
Yes |
Many thanks to all the folks who sent stories and information about the amazing history and ability of small ponies and miniature horses. The ponypower web site has published (and is planning to publish) several articles (by you) on your experiences with these small competitors, and has set up links to several breed and special interest web sites, to help make information about driving competitions and small ponies and miniature horses more available to interested parties.
Marnie and Vel
July 24, 1999