Early mornings at the John Justin Arena during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo are always a rush — especially when the horses are the ones racing to get into position. But these aren’t just any horses. These are miniature horses, and they’ve got their own special spot at this iconic event. Despite their small stature, these pint-sized competitors are far from a joke. After all, in Texas, everything may be bigger, but when it comes to these horses, the small size is part of the charm.
For six years, mother and daughter Connie and Denise Kennedy have made it a tradition to show miniature horses at this event, something they hold close to their hearts. The show is more than just a competition—it’s a testament to family, passion, and a love of the miniature breed.
Standing at no more than 34 inches tall from the tips of their manes to the ground, these miniature horses are part of a long-standing tradition. Though they’ve been a beloved feature of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo since the 1980s, records indicate their roots stretch back much further — to 17th-century Europe, where the breed first took shape.
The competition itself is as varied as it is unique. Exhibitors show their animals in-hand, where they lead them by hand in a showcase of skill and poise. Then, there are the driving and roadster divisions, where competitors ride behind their horses in carts, guiding them with precision and care.
For the Kennedys, the day is a mix of fun and tradition. “We love showing minis,” Connie Kennedy says, after the competition. Her daughter, Denise, adds, “They’re a lot easier than other horses,” with a smile that suggests the lighter, more manageable nature of the breed is something she enjoys.
The preparation for these events is far from simple, though. There’s the constant upkeep of the harness, making sure the cart is in top shape, and always being ready to adjust to the unexpected. For the Kennedys, it’s all part of the process, especially as they travel from Oklahoma to compete.
“We have 10 mini horses,” Connie says proudly. “And every year, this is the big event we prepare for.”
Despite the challenges, including the unpredictability of the weather and the temperament of the horses, the love for the miniatures remains unwavering. These tiny competitors may not be as big as their full-sized counterparts, but they’ve got heart — and their own charm.
When asked about their experience with the breed, Connie opines, “I’ve been involved with miniature horses since I was 14 years old,” she says, a lifetime of memories tucked into those words. “It’s just become second nature to me now.”
As for her daughter Denise, who’s been competing for six years, she shares a quiet but undeniable truth: "When it comes to miniature horses, we don’t just show them. We become a family with them."
It’s this shared bond between horse and rider, mother and daughter, that makes the miniature horse show at the Fort Worth Stock Show a unique celebration of tradition — and a reminder that even the smallest competitors can leave the biggest impressions.
"Every year, we look forward to this," Connie says, as her miniature horses prance proudly in the arena. "It’s our time to shine."
