Val Hicks has a super-sized heart for miniature horses.
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Val Hicks shows off Captain and Bandit at Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue in White, South Dakota.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss
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Val Hicks checks the feet of Firefly. Hicks began trimming hooves as a hobby which eventually turned into starting Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue. Foundered feet is the most common ailment Hicks sees in her rescues.
Tri-state Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss
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Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue is presently home to 34 miniature horses, Shetland ponies and even a few miniature donkeys.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss
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Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue is presently home to 34 miniature horses. At one point, owner Val Hicks, had 4o.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss
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Val Hicks participates in chariot racing events around the region with her miniature driving team, Bandit and Sid.
Submitted photo
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Little Hooves Miniature Horse Rescue provides Pony Parties. Usually, the ponies are dressed up for the occasion.
Submitted photo
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Melisa Goss, Associate Editor for the Tri-State Neighbor, is a South Dakota farm girl whose love of travel has allowed her to see ag’s vital impact around the world, from America’s heartland to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia and many places in between. She makes her home in Sioux Falls with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer. You can reach her at mgoss@lee.net .
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