Reaching just 58cm – what Tonto lacks in height, he makes up for in attitude.

Streaking across a Welcome Bay field at full speed, the eight-year-old dwarfed miniature horse pales in comparison to his full-sized horse neighbour.

Tonto. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Tonto is one of a few dwarfed miniatures in New Zealand, and was purchased by owner Rosemary Sinclair two years ago following a life in the circus.

'The circus owner couldn't look after them anymore. He brought them down to the Historic Village and I had a shop there. I decided I would take them on, because I could see Tonto wasn't in good condition.

'It's been so worth it, he used to be grumpy as hell an try and hide, I think because of how he was treated, and now he's so much better. But I've been hand-feeding him for two years to get him like that.”

Tonto currently resides with fellow miniature Betty, who reaches a more standard 94cm, in a field in Welcome Bay.

But Rosemary is searching for a new place for the pair, as she has to leave her current residence. Hoping she won't be separated from the horses, she's pleading with anyone who knows of an available rental with grazing space to contact her.

I have to move, and I just want somewhere with grazing so they're just over the fence from me. Life's a lot easier when I have that, so I want a farm cottage on the outskirts of Tauranga preferably.”

If you can help, phone Rosemary on 021 030 4515.