About Us

Following a lifetime with horses of all kinds, and successfully breeding and showing registered Miniature Shetland ponies since the late 1980's, the 'changeover' to American Miniature Horses began in 2003. Very swiftly the Shetlands were passed to my daughter, Donna, who continues the excellent breeding and showing reputation that Donabi Shetlands achieved.

Donabi UK consists entirely of pure AMHA registered horses directly imported from the US, but also with BMHS and IMHPS registration here in the UK. They have been selected for qualities such as extreme refinement, beauty and correct flowing movement, together with wonderful temperament.

Their pedigrees combine the most sought after names in the American Stud Book, including Orion Light Vant Huttenest, L & D Scout, Gold Melody Boy, Wittmaacks Mickey Mouse, to name but a few. The horses we have presently also include a direct son and daughter of National Grand Champion Sierra Dawn Uno de Mayo.

We have built up a small select herd with an aim to breed beautiful miniature horses encompassing the traits we originally selected for.

From a small show team we are very proud that our horses have consistently won and been placed at the highest level. Donabi UK have for eight consecutive years had HOYS finalists. In 2004 our palomino pinto mare Nehi Chinchee May won the yearling class there and went on to stand Reserve Champion Miniature Horse. In the 2 & 3 year old class the same year we also took 2nd place with Stormy Rivers Scouts Shez So Randi, the winner of the class going on to be HOYS Champion. In 2010 our two finalists, Uno Tiffany and Seahorse Scouts Gold Melody Glitz were both in the top four at HOYS, with 'Glitz' being 2nd to the eventual champion.

John and I did much to promote Miniature Horses in the UK, including a trade stand at the Devon and Cornwall Equine Fair, an appearance on ITV's 'Des and Mel' show. In 2004 and 2005 we were invited to display our Miniature Horses at the Devon County Show, together with a trade stand. Under the banner of the Miniature Horse Club of Great Britain we presented twice daily displays to appreciative audiences in the Lady Clinton Ring with the help of fellow members, Jill Robinson, Janice Goudie, Stephen and Alison Johnston. The displays included driving, jumping and halter obstacle.

To date we continue to enjoy showing our horses throughout the UK, and breeding a small number of foals each year. We are immensely proud of our very special little black pinto stallion, Uno Tom Thumb, a direct son of the American National Grand Champion Sierra Dawn Uno de Mayo, for the outstanding foals he has produced. To date Uno Tom Thumb holds the enviable distinction of having 100% of his progeny to enter the show ring, from a variety of mares, being winners, with several becoming champions.

We hope you enjoy browsing our website and getting to know our horses.

Eileen.