A miniature horse that stands only a little taller than a Jack Russell dog has been sold after more than 8500 people viewed it on Trade Me. Harry was put up for sale earlier in the month by owner Tony Hawkins after his wife, Linda, died four weeks ago. Mr Hawkins ownsWindsong Miniature Horse Stud in Omanawa. The couple started the Stud about 20 years ago. The online auction for Harry began on July 12 and closed yesterday. Mr Hawkins said the 8500 hits on Trade Me was "outstanding". Harry, known as a dwarf miniature horse, was born two years ago at Windsong. He was born seven-weeks premature and stood only 13 1/2 inches tall - similar to the size of a Jack Russell. Today, he stands at 21 1/2 inches. Mr Hawkins said in the last two years, hundreds of people had specifically come to visit him. It would be sad to see him go, he said. "His personality was unique...he's the sort of horse that would work a crowd and he really is just a special little man." Dwarf horses could not be bred and were a creation from a miniature horse in America called Tom Thumb. Mr Hawkins said it was one of the largest online auctions he had seen. "There was an awful lot of interest and there are some very disappointed people out there ... at the moment my email is absolutely full of people emailing me good wishes and hoping Harry will go to a good home," Mr Hawkins said. He said he would not disclose how much money Harry was sold for but said he would go to a family home in Mairangi Bay, Auckland. "One of the major things for a horse, is finding a home where they will be able to feel love from the people and I think his new owners will definitely treat him well."
