FORT STOREY MINIATURE HARNESS RACING AND SHOW DRIVING HORSES
The IMTPA is a non-profit organization created to afford owners of Miniature Horses an opportunity to join in the promotion of miniature harness racing as an additional performance activity creating a much needed increased spectator participation and consequent marketing opportunity for the breed. IMTPA is an "open" registry with a maximum height limit in three divisions..38"and under(Miniature division)..over 38" to 43" and over 43" to a max height of 46" (Mid-Size division)
Since its inception the registry has drawn members and horses from several states including with active IMTPA sanctioned and some individual non-affiliated tracks located in Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, and Maine. There are several more states on the drawing board.
This is a do-it-yourself sport, a family sport and anyone from the age of 8 to ? can be a participant (children race in Youth categories through the age of 15; over 16 years of age race as adults).
Youth racer: Evan R. Hessel, (taken in 1997 at age 14) on Spring Valley's Beau Fancy (Fort Storey Ranch). Brazos Valley Mini Downs, Bryan, TX.
Usually, the miniature harness horse is stabled and trained at the owner's location. Some owners choose to breed, raise, and train their own "harness minis," while others choose to purchase untrained horses to accomplish the same results, while still others will purchase "harness minis" that are already racing.
4G's HF Country Crystal;37" AMHR/IMTPA (currently 15 yrs of age) mare. 1996 IMTPA National Stakes Racing Champion; Fastest mare 1/8 mile track 1995 & 1996, Fastest over 34" to 38" horse in 1996. Texas track record holder 1993 and 1995. Top Ten fastest 1/4 mile track 1995 & 1996. Started show career in 1997, is 1998 AMHR National Champion Open Roadster and Youth Roadster; 1999 AMHR Hall of Fame;she has retired from racing and some open showing;will be in youth classes for 2002 and 2003 with grandaughter, Arianna M. Storey and will put on racing demonstrations, when not in foal.
Fort Storey Crystal's Country Pride,( son of 4G's HF Country Crystal) now 5 yrs old and has proven himself in the AMHR show ring in the youth classes, including 1st place National All-Star roadster, youth A division, and 1st place National All-Star Showmanship 7 & under youth..2001 AMHR Hall of Fame 2002 Roadster under division and National All Star Champion in Roadster, under Division
There is a profit incentive in this sport aside from an expanded market in horse sales. Race purses derived usually from 100% of the entry fees and added sponsor funds will generally pay through five places. In addition yearly Stake Races have been structured starting with the very successful 1st IMTPA National Stakes Race that was held on Nov. 4, & 5, 1995 at the Bo-Bett Miniature Raceway in Reddick, FL with Twelve Hundred Spectators and a 10,000 purse. The 2nd National IMTPA Stakes Race was held in Texas at the Brazos Valley Mini-Downs in Bryan,Tx. with a 15,000 purse on Sept. 27 & 28, 1996. A great time was had by all who participated in the race as well as the spectators that watched the event. "Crystal" won her time bar, which is the 1:15 to 1:19.99 and recieved her purse winnings plus a trophy for being the fastest over 34" to 38" at the National IMTPA Stakes Race. The yearly National Stake races are expected to continue, in the future, as additional IMTPA Area clubs are developed.
Horses registered in IMTPA are grouped into two categories: Miniature; max. height of 38": Mid-size; over 38" to 43" and over 43" to 46". Sanctioned IMTPA races are contested over a distance of one-quarter mile. Time bars have been established in 5 second increments to accommodate all horses in a given meet. This method permits slow horses to race slow horses and fast horse to race fast horses; thus creating an opportunity for everyone to participate.
Left: Beechy Miniature Racing Sulky. Lightweight (airplane metal - ash shafts). 30 lbs. Clear wheel covers, biothane harness. Horse: Spring Valleys Beau Fancy (mare). Fort Storey Ranch, Moody, TX. Right: Miniature Harness Racing Attire: Silks, helmet, goggles, boots.
The Primary purpose of the IMTPA is to maintain an International Registry of Miniature Harness Horses. The pedigrees, race times, track records, Sire and Dam Books of these minis are all chronicled. This system will enhance the value of these performing athletes.
A breeding program has been initiated crossing the Trottingbred and the Miniature Horse. The product of this union is the HARNESSBRED(tm) and showcases the characteristics and size of 38" and under Miniature, with some going to the max. height of 43", while emphasizing the racing traits of the Standardbred/Trottingbred. The Harnessbred is the only small equine horse breed bred for Miniature Harness Racing.
The IMTPA is constantly striving toward advancing and developing endless possibilities present in the bright future of Miniature Harness Racing. Your inquires are welcome and your participation and support are encouraged.
Call the IMTPA headquarters for an Information Packet containing:
History of IMTPA
Registration Forms
Membership forms
Suggested track Layouts
10 min. Video Film Clip on IMTPA Miniature Harness Racing
Info on how to start a local area IMTPA Member/Track in your area
Phone: (254) 853-3744 (9:00am-5:00pm; Mon.-Fri.)
FAX: (254) 853-3744
After Hrs Phone: (254-853-2806)
See IMTPA Web Page at: www.imtpa.com
Arlyn R. Storey, IMTPA National Director at Large... 18481 Elm Creek Rd. Moody, TX 76557. Call (254) 853-2806 for add info.