Minnie Mouse, a 12.1hh brown pony was as famous for her outstanding accomplishments as she was for her longevity.

In 1964, Delphine Kirton purchased Minnie Mouse from Dick Day to be her four-year-old daughter’s first pony. Kimbell Kirton started her show jumping career with Minnie at the tender age of six. Like her rider, Minnie was very game and the pair suited each other perfectly. Together, they won a decade’s worth of championships including the 1969 zone championship for small pony jumpers, the 1970 zone championship for small pony hunter and pony jumper, the 1971 zone champion in small pony working hunter and pony jumper, and the 1972 zone championship in small ponies.

Minnie and Kim were fierce competitors. Memories from this time describe Kim as a small child, her legs barely reaching the saddle flaps, wearing a black painted racing helmet and galloping around the course with great determination. Minnie managed to teach many other young riders to be as fearless as she was, as she was always pulled out for practice jumping at the family farm, Tawco Stables. Minnie was not only a champion in the show ring, but a champion in the hearts of many. She spent her days off participating in gymkhanas and general Kirton tomfoolery. It is a measure of the pony’s abilities that she was completely versatile. This served her rider well as the time spent learning the ropes with Minnie allowed Kim to continue her riding career with tremendous success in the jumper and hunter rings, both as a junior and later as a professional.

Minnie Mouse was Kim’s best friend, mentor and partner in success. She was inducted into the Pony Breeders Hall of Fame in 1992. She survived two barn fires, countless horse shows and lived to the grand old age of 36. Befitting a champion, Minnie died on the eve of Big Ben’s retirement at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Minnie is buried at Kimarlin Farms, where Kim’s business was based for many years.

Presented by Torrey Pines Stable, Inc.