Dana Warne at Salt Fork Miniatures
Addicted to horses would describe the life of Dana Warne of Salt Fork Miniatures in Salesville. She has been around horses all her life, although until more recent years they were full size horses, which she rode while competing in barrel racing.
Dana and her husband, Tom, both grew up on farms where they had horses. While Tom was around miniature horses all his life, Dana didn’t become well acquainted with them until she married Tom in 2001. The following year, they added mini-donkeys.
Dana graduated from Buckeye Trail and drove bus at East Guernsey Schools for 25 years. Driving a bus filled with children is never an easy task, but Dana made certain that the children behaved. She told them, “You’re not going to ride if you don’t behave.”
Life hasn’t always been easy for her as in 1998, a car went left of center and hit her bus, which luckily she said had no children on board at the time. This left her paralyzed for a while and since that time she has had 32 surgeries mostly on her back, which today is supported by 12″ rods. However, she is determined to keep on working on the farm as best she can. The miniatures gave her a special reason to keep on going as well as giving her comfort that she needs.
Now they have both mini-horses and mini-donkeys, which Dana described as having completely different personalities. The horses are independent with a free spirit that likes to run. Donkeys are loving and caring, great guard animals, and give Dana a feeling of peacefulness. All their animals are under 34″ tall. That’s not even as tall as a yard stick!
They take their animals to the Guernsey County Fair, of course, but also take them to major national shows in Oklahoma and Missouri. Some are sold as breeders and others for pets. These shows are special, always beginning with a prayer, as the people in attendance are all very helpful to each other and make friendships that last long afterward.
They have miniature horses and donkeys in several states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Montana, Oklahoma, and Missouri to name a few. One baby even traveled to Australia.
Downtown Mr. Brown, a favorite donkey, began as an ugly duckling but ended up a champion in 2025. He won the ACOSA National Jack class with a 1st place and Grand Champion. He also placed 1st in his 2 yr. old NMDA Jack class and took Grand Champion Jr. Jack, too. He’s 2 years old now and this was his second show.
She will be the first to admit. “We couldn’t do what we do without friends and family.” When they need help or are at a show, neighbors help care for the animals.
This is a fully operating farm with more happening than just the mini horses and donkeys, which they show and sell. They also put up hay for their horses and sell some of that as well. Of course, the miniatures provide some great fertilizer for their garden.
Dana loves to garden and cans for winter use. One recent winter, Tom counted over 350 jars on the shelves. They also have fruit trees and she enjoys having flowers around as well. You can see that she is a busy woman on her good days. Their farm is often the place for family functions and all the canned meats, vegetables, and fruits make that easier and tastier.
While Tom works for Parnell and Associates, Dana is home full-time now. They have made things easier for her to handle by using mini buckets for feed and water as needed. She likes to purchase things from the Amish in the area as their leads and halters are excellent quality. Buying local when possible is important to Dana.
Honesty is the best policy. She said that if you tell the truth, you never have to be concerned about what you say in the future. People appreciate honesty and return to buy more animals or tell others about their animals.
Everyone has their dreams of places or things they would like to do. Dana is no exception. Her dream vacation would be to go to a Dude Ranch at Yellowstone National Park where she could herd cattle, eat at the chuck wagon, and sit around the campfire in the evening singing and listening to someone play their guitar. However, right now travel is not her friend.
She believes in their miniatures. “If well-bred, gentle, and colorful miniature donkeys are what you want, take a look! And remember this, Color turns heads but personality is a must. If you see something you like, take the time to come meet them in person if at all possible. They are going to be a huge part of your life. If you can’t love them like family, don’t look. These are our babies and we want the best for them.”
If you are interested in seeing the miniatures or perhaps purchasing one, call or text Dana at 740-255-7106. 80% of her day is spent with the miniatures or working on the farm. She begins each morning around 7:00 with feeding, and is back in the house after 6 most evenings.
When asked what is important to her, Dana quickly answers, “God, family, farm, and honesty! Nothing else is worth worrying about.”
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