He's just 34cm tall and only six days old but Harry the miniature horse has no problem commanding attention. The latest addition at Windsong Miniature Horse Stud in Omanawa _ who was born seven weeks premature _ has already stamped his mark on the world. Tony Hawkins, owner of the Kaimai Rangestud, said the pint-sized foal was "very special and rare" because he was very lucky to be alive. "He's a real little gem. Most miniatures born premature don't live before four weeks," Mr Hawkins said. "While his lungs aren't fully developed yet he appears as fit as a buck-rat when he's running around the paddock, which is a very good sign.' Harry, who was born at 7am on December 28 _ Mr Hawkins' wife's birthday _ is also special because his bloodlines are linked to a multi-supreme champion show horse. "But being so premature, if Harry gets to 20 inches when he's fully grown he'll be very lucky," Mr Hawkins added. Harry, who is yet to be given his full breeding name, is the same size as the family's jack russell, Bob, and is known to sit on Mr Hawkins' lap for a cuddle, as does month-old foal, Risky, who then pops off to sleep. "He's just cute little Harry at the moment," he said. Miniature horses were first bred by Argentinian Fella Bella 50-60 years ago and soon became highly prized in North America and Australasia. Mr Hawkins said the miniature horses have lovely temperaments and can do pretty much anything their bigger counterparts can. "Miniature horses have an amazing amount of total unconditional love to give people and people just love them back." That includes 10-year-old Rabbit, who regularly gets cards, letters and emails from all over the country, he said. Mr Hawkins said he and his wife first became hooked after they bought a special gelding called Skyla about 15 years ago. Six months later they bought some breeding stock from America to set up their stud and never looked back. Today Windsong stud has more than 50 horses and has amassed 10,500 supreme champion show ribbons.
