continued........

In the early years Tikki Adorian had a close association with the American Miniature Horse Society and became their Honorary Foreign Director - until it was suggested that their register for all horses of 34" and under (which included Tikki's pure British bloodlines) became the basis for an American breed. Tikki had already formed a British registry and she decided that the only sensible course of action was to found the British Miniature Horse Society, to which the registry was donated. This was achieved in 1994, since when the BMHS has continued to grow and expand and to hold its own shows and championships.

Tikki and TH Didymus and TH Count Capuccino

Some American bloodlines were introduced to the Stud in the mid-nineties when Tikki's friend, Paolo Gucci, died. He had previously bought many horses from the Stud and Tikki was pleased to purchase some of his horses, including the US imports, during the winter after his death. She also obtained a herd of Falabella horses from Linda Johnson, including the top stallion RG Gat Remondo, and these new bloodlines did much to enhance the Stud when crossed with British miniatures.

The Stud has produced so many show champions and international champions that their successes are too numerous to mention; however, two of their most notable show stars are TH Count Capuccino, International Supreme Champion of Champions in 1997, and TH Didymus, taking the same title the following year.

TH Countess Natushka went into the record books

Many of the Toyhorses that have won championships over recent seasons have been bought from the Stud and shown by their new owners. Indeed, the Stud is proud of its reputation of being 'the Stud to buy from to succeed in the show ring' because top quality stock is offered for sale each year.

Apart from exporting all over the world, Tikki has played a major role in promoting her beloved 'little ones' at overseas shows, and international exhibitions and trade fairs such as Equitana. Not surprisingly many of her stock have been in much demand over the years for film and television work, but one of the Stud's superstars is without doubt TH Countess Natushka. She hit the headlines in 1996 when she was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'Smallest Horse in the World', measuring just 27" at 4 years old. 'Tushie', as she is affectionately known, simply loves the limelight and is always happy to take a photo call.

Naming hundreds of toyhorses over the years must have put their owner's imagination to the test but I was amused to note that many of the youngsters had been named after racehorses, such as Prince 'Salse', TH 'Primo Dominie', Primo 'Forzando', Prince 'Fayraz', TH 'Arkadian Hero' and Prince 'Midyan'. I wonder what those horses would make of their diminutive namesakes should they ever come face to face!

Before my visit drew to a close, Tikki indicated that her extremely hectic lifestyle was likely to change in the not too distant future - indeed, that she was planning retirement, and that much of her stock would be sold. Her collection of equines had grown to such proportions that she had begun to question her ability to continue running such a huge stud farm that left her with little or no time to spend with her family, or even her own miniature horses and Shetland ponies.

As a result, an extra production sale was scheduled for 11th March this year. As if to prove her point, Tikki had to rush off - it was 'bottle' time again!

I took the opportunity to wander through the paddocks once more, enjoying the mares and their enchanting foals. It wasn't hard to understand how they had come to play such a huge part in Tikki's life. It would be all too easy to get 'hooked' and to want more and more of them.

After all, these delightful creatures make wonderful pets and companions, and they really could be kept in a (sizeable) back garden. I started to imagine the fun of driving them in harness, or perhaps showing, breeding my own foals. One thing so easily leads to another; no wonder the whole enterprise grew in such an amazing way!

As I sat on the grass a very tiny foal bravely wandered over to meet me, shortly joined by two other little souls, and I thought what a wrench it would be to have to let it all go.

Tikki Adorian can justifiably look back with great pride on her achievements in promoting these very special equines and for bringing so much joy to the many people who have purchased them. Thankful that I had left my cheque book at home (thus eliminating the possibility of making any spontaneous purchases!) I took one last look and bid my newfound friend 'goodbye'.