Syracuse, NY (November 12, 2010) – A tiny American Miniature Horse named Royal Oaks Impressive Rolex showed off his jumping skills in a big way during the opening ceremony of the Syracuse Invitational Sport Horse Tournament. Rolex, owned by Stephanie Himlin of New York, is a five-year-old gelding that is registered with the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR).
“This was the second year that Rolex took part in the opening ceremony and people remembered him from last year and it was a great success. The opening was a real crowd pleaser and people were going nuts,” Himlin said.
Rolex had big hooves to fill, as he performed in front of Olympic horses from all over the world. “Rolex did the opening act on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and was also in the Parade of Breeds. We did one jump to get the crowd on their feet and then we stood by the military and the gentleman who played the anthem on his trumpet,” Himlin said. “It really was beautiful. As soon as the trumpet ended, they introduced us and then the first Olympic horse entered.”
Rolex also took part in demonstrations in a separate building during the show. “Rolex, along with other horses, were on display for people to ask questions and get up-close-and-personal with a horse,” Himlin said, adding that small equines always draw a big crowd. “FEI rules state that people can’t visit the Olympic horses, so they bring in different horses, including Rolex, so the public can ask questions.”
Rolex’s fame spread even farther than the show grounds, as an estimated 30,000 people watched the Syracuse Invitational each day on the Internet. “It really was a fabulous show and we were thrilled to be part of it again,” Himlin said.
In addition to being an ambassador for the AMHR, Rolex is trained to drive and either drives as a single or with his brother as a pair. “We are so pleased that Stephanie and Rolex represented American Miniature Horses at the Syracuse Invitational,” said Johnny Robb, Marketing Director for the AMHR. “Miniature Horses are very popular and they are big fun for children and adults. They jump, drive, work as therapy horses and compete in halter, costume and youth classes at shows. Rolex is a perfect ambassador for the breed as he shows the versatility that Miniature Horses posses.”
For more information on American Miniature Horses, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.
The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.
For more information contact the:
American Shetland Pony Club
American Miniature Horse Registry
Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing
561-753-4608
Zona Schneider, Director of Operations
309-263-4044
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