HISTORY

Dennis has been involved with horses and ponies since his parents bought Topsy, a tri-colored Shetland, when he was in the fifth grade. From then on, he was hooked.

While still at home, his parents maintained a herd of fifty to sixty Shetland ponies and riding horses. Many of the Shetlands were quite small and would meet today's height requirements of the “A” Miniature.

The Scott Family's life centered around the horses, and Dennis and his brother Dan showed in open shows and 4-H shows in the area. When Topsy won a purple at the Minnehaha County Fair, Dennis' future was determined.

A couple of years after Dennis and Joyce were married in 1965, they purchased a Quarter Horse gelding. They continued to raise and show Quarter Horses as their children were growing up.

Moves back to the city and then to the country followed. A chance trip to see a herd of miniatures led to the purchase of a mare and foal and then more and more.

The miniatures very quickly worked their way into Joyce's heart in a way that the Quarter Horses had never done. She began to actively train and show the horses right along with Dennis. Both participate in halter and driving classes.

Now the grandchildren are old enough to enjoy the horses. While the horses must compete with soccer and baseball, Granddaughter Ashton has started showing Rowbuck Roscoe in halter and showmanship. Ashton also showed Dakota Color Me Beautiful in 2002. Now our grandson, Nick, has started his show career by showing Roscoe at the Brown County (SD) fair. Grandparents are, of course, extremely proud of them and their many wins, but most of all of their competitive spirit and desire to learn about these fantastic animals.

A major shift in Dakota Miniatures and Shetlands occurred in 2005 when Dennis and Joyce moved to Texas. Now the operation is centered on a small ranch in Lott, Texas. Retirement and working with the horses and ponies full time has become and is most rewarding.

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