The Happy Mountain Miniature Cattle Farm in Covington has a new addition to the family, but this time it is not a diminutive cow.
The farm, owned by Richard Gradwohl, is well known for its miniature cattle breeds, but about one month ago Starfire was born, a miniature horse. Starfire is a colt and his mother is 3-year-old Starlet.
The miniature horses are owned by Gradwohl’s daughter-in-law, Shannon Gradwohl and her husband Mike.
Shannon Gradwohl said she also own Fantasia, a 3-year-old filly and Little Joe, a 3-year-old colt and Starfire’s sire. All four miniature horses live on the farm.
She said her husband saw the miniature horses while he was making a cattle delivery to the Swiss Alp community in Texas.
“He sent me a picture and I said, ‘I have to have them,'” she said.
According to Shannon Gradwohl, miniature horses are an old breed that was often used for pulling carts. The ponies are now kept as pets and show horses.
Starfire is about 18 inches tall and was about 15 inches when he was born.
Starlet lost a foal a year ago due to a premature birth.
“We have been waiting and Starfire was much anticipated,” she said.
A horse carries a foal for 11 months.
Richard Gradwohl has been raising and breeding miniature cattle for nearly 40 years.
More information about the farm is available on the
