Aimee Simmons' best friend may be small in stature but she has a big heart and a loud whinny.
Amber the miniature horse is well-known in Gladstone where passer-bys often give her a quick pat or a special treat.
“She really likes to have apples,” Aimee said.
The 18-year-old Gladstone student has been riding horses since she was 12 and also has a regular horse, Ralph.
"Amber is a good pet and has a beautiful nature," Aimee said. Aimee is completing year 12 over two years and recently presented a project on horse care for her community studies subject.
"It was all about how to look after horses such as the cost of food, medical care, grooming and their diet," Aimee said.
Amber lives in the family yard but likes to go on walks into town and always attracts a lot of attention.
"Cars always stop, at first they think she is a big dog," Aimee said.
“But then they realise she is a horse.”
While Amber may be small in size she is still not allowed inside the house. "No she has never been in," laughed Aimee.
"She is a typical horse and would make too much of a mess."
Aimee is doing a school based apprenticeship with Adelaide Wool and would like to work in the farming industry.
“I would also love to work with horses one day if I could,” Aimee said.
And there may soon be a baby miniature on the way with Amber getting a 'boyfriend' from Adelaide.
"I will be so excited if Amber does get pregnant," Aimee said.