H I S T O R Y
If you are new to the Miniature industry you may not
have heard of the Arenosa miniature before. However, if you have been involved in the
miniature business for long you have undoubtedly heard the Arenosa "word" before
and have probably had your socks whipped in the show ring by one of these truly
outstanding horses.
Whether it be halter or
performance, ASPC, AMHR, AMHA or Pinto, the Arenosa horses have had amazing show ring
accomplishments and have made major contributions (unsurpassed by any other bloodline) to
the breeding stock in the world of small equines.
Arenosa Pony farm was born in
1941, when Audrey Barrett and husband Clinton moved to Victoria, Texas. Audrey was an
outstanding horse expert who had a former riding academy in Arkansas. Children of friends
and neighbors were always pestering Audrey to ride her fine saddle horses, which she did
not allow. Because of this, a couple of grade ponies were purchased to occupy these area
children. Little did Audrey know but the love affair had begun, and the rest is part of
Arenosa history!
In the late 1950's and early
1960's, the Barretts began acquiring nationally known show ponies for their breeding
program, including Richardson's C-Jo
Topper, a "Top Ten"
harness pony and son of the $56,000 C-Jo's Topper. However, one illustrious Shetland sire
has become synonymous with the Arenosa program: Kewpie Doll's Oracle. This exquisite
39", black and white stallion was sired by Hillswicke Oracle, one of the breed's most
influential stallions and champion in hand and harness.
An Excerpt about Kewpie Dolls
Oracle found in a Perry Carlisle Sales Catalog: "Irregardless of their likes and
dislikes, everyone who has seen this pony has kind words for him. He leaves a lasting
impression that few can equal...With a natural spring to every stride, Kewpie has the
greatest pair of natural hocks we have ever seen. Without benefit of training, he
literally 'boxes' with his hind feet."
"He certainly had the
ability to transmit quality," Audrey Barrett said of Kewpie Doll Oracle. "To see
him move was a joy to behold. He passed that down, too." Audrey couldn't have been
more correct with that statement. Oracle sired some top ponies, including the sorrel and
white Kewpies Topper of Arenosa, and Kewpie Dolls Diablo the sires of many champions in
both the Classic Shetland and Miniature Horse divisions. What proved to be sheet genius,
and has stood the test of time, was the crossing of the two half-brothers - Kewpies Topper
of Arenosa and Kewpie Dolls Diablo. Intense linebreeding and ruthless culling was
understood and practiced unconditionally by Audrey Barrett. This set the type forever and
the "Arenosa look" was born.
Many other extremely exotic
Arenosa horses were bred to carry into the next generations. Kewpie's El Monterry of
Arenosa was nothing short of MAGNIFICENT. This double registered ASPC/AMHR stallion was
NEVER DEFEATED in Model or In Hand. The list of Champion Arenosa ponies and Miniature
Horses goes on and on and will continue to do so.
Today, we are continuing the
Arenosa legacy and have one the most concentrated and rare groups of Arenosa bloodlines
within the height standards of AMHA. This feat was accomplished
by crossing
a group of fine 50% Arenosa mares with driving and halter legend "Flaby's
Supreme". Supreme is a 30.5 inch son of the great "Flying W Farms Charro of
Arenosa" and grandson of "Kewpies Topper of Arenosa." An amazing stallion
with the uncanny ablitiy to pass on his athletic abilities and extreme refinement.
The Unmistakable Arenosa
Miniature. The Modern Miniature with Royal Past and Rich Future!