Milo the Miniature: Dan Steers' Secret Weapon in Equine Entertainment!

Milo, the mighty miniature is a true entertainer and a valued member of the Double Dan’s Horsemanship performing team. Horse Deals spoke to Dan Steers to learn more about this small rock star.

Stable Name: Milo

Age: six-years-old

Breeding: Miniature  

Sire: Bold As Brass Playboy 

Dam: Culverkeys Delta Dawn

Owner: Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch

Trainer: Dan Steers

Ricky Glenn, how did Milo the Miniature come to be an important member of the Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch? Milo was acquired from Chardonnay Show Ponies. Among the group of Minis we considered, Milo truly stood out with a captivating “look at me” presence. Upon arriving at Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch in Robertson, Southern Highlands, he settled in straight away. Assigned as the barn buddy to the resident stallion, Peptos Stylish Oak (imp), Milo spent his days alongside Pepto in the paddock and nights in the stable next door. Their companionship was quite remarkable. During Pepto’s breeding season departure, we pondered Milo’s next steps and decided to enlist the expertise
of the talented Dan Steers for some liberty training. 

Dan, what were your first thoughts when you were asked to train Milo? I am always a bit apprehensive when it comes to working with Mini ponies. In 2018, Ricky contacted me, asking if I could train a Mini purchased by Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch. I emphasised to Ricky that training Minis could either be straightforward or challenging, and I agreed to take on the task, promising to update him on the pony’s progress.

Share with us how his liberty training progressed and over what timeframe? His first initial training was over a period of three months, learning the foundation of liberty in a large working area and learning a few tricks. Fortunately, Milo turned out to be a fantastic pony to train. Within a few months, he confidently showcased his skills at an open day for K-Ranch in Camden.

He later returned to Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch. Periodically, Milo would come back to us to enhance his training and contribute to equine entertainment. His next notable performance was at the Home of the Horse show at QESEC in early 2019. Throughout the slow entertainment period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Milo remained at Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch, serving as a companion pony for the Quarter Horse stud.

What was Milo’s greatest training challenge? Learning to rear at liberty.

Where was his first public appearance, what was his role and how did Milo perform? K Ranch and he demonstrated liberty foundation. 

At what point did you know that you had a ‘rockstar’ in a Mini’s body? After his first public appearance. As events gradually resumed, Milo became a consistent and beloved member of the Double Dan Australian Team. Travelling all across Australia, he captivated audiences with his performances. 

Where has he performed and was his performances solo or in a team? Always by himself and this year at the Mastery of the Horse my nine year old daughter did an opening act with him.

Major show highlights:
• Home of the Horse Show 
• Equitana 2022
• Festival of the Horse, Scone
• Mastery of the Horse 2022, 2023
• Magic Millions Polo on the beach, Gold Coast 2023
• Appearance on Sunrise 2023

How does Milo handle the spotlight? He was instantly unfazed about performing in crowds with lights and loud noises, never really needing any desensitising which is very rare in any horse. 

What is the audience’s response to Milo? He is always a fan favourite!

Milo is now a permanent member of your team, how did that come about? We have always had a pony in our team originally ‘Please the Pony’ but now Milo has taken the top spot and Please is a volunteer at a therapy assistance program. Milo now resides with us full-time, living alongside the kids’ Riding Pony. He gets dragged out of the paddock when needed to wow crowds, proving himself to be a true professional. Milo effortlessly prepares for performances, always approaching new challenges with ease.

His most annoying habit or quirk? Honestly he is a very easy going pony with no quirks which in itself is a quirk for a Mini pony (If you get what I mean?)

When was the last time he made you laugh or cry? I was pretty excited to see him perform with my daughter this year.

First thing on the shopping list for Milo? He has custom made Iconoclast boots that are pretty cute! And a Mini show rug. 

What celebrity does he remind you of? Kevin Hart.

What has Milo taught you as a trainer? Luckily for me it’s not what he has taught me, it’s that he always makes me look good and that’s a special attribute in itself! 

Future plans for Milo? It’s a big year in 2024 with it being an Equitana year so he will have a big program to prepare for there and there is talks of him visiting New Zealand in the near future.

3 things we don’t know about Milo?
1. He is not broken under saddle yet
2. Travels backwards on the horse truck (by his choice)
3. He is very brave

Dan Steers is proudly sponsored by 4Cyte, Pryde’s, Ringers Western and Equissage.

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