Miniature Horse
Introduction To Miniature Horses
| One of the world’s fastest growing and most beloved equine breeds of today is the American Miniature Horse. This small and unique horse that stands only 38 inches at the withers as measured from the last hairs of the mane. They are classically elegant, gentle, and appealing to people and is truly the horse for everyone. |  |
Miniature Horses have been used in therapeutic settings with positive results. Elders who do not prefer to manage a standard size horse now have discovered the benefits of the Miniature Horse whether in competition, recreation or as an investment.
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The Miniature Horse is a scaled-down version of the standard-size horse and comes in a rainbow of coat colors, patterns and several body types, which includes draft and Arabian. As a result of 400 years of selective breeding, Miniature Horses of today are well refined and well proportioned, making them great pets for the kids. |
History of the Miniature Horse
It was in Europe where the first true Miniature Horses originated. In the early sixteen hundreds, these small equines were being bred as pets for the European aristocracy. Miniature Horses were featured in paintings and articles. The original English lines were carried on by Lady Estella and her sisters into the mid-nineteen hundreds. Many of the smallest Miniatures in the United States are from the Hope line. But unfortunately, not all of the early Miniatures were pampered as pets of the kings and queens; some Miniatures were used to work in the English Midlands and European coalmines.
| The Falabella Miniature Horse originated in Argentina in 1868 by Patrick Newell. The herd and Falabella breeding methods were passed on to Newell’s son-in-law when Newell died. Juan Falabella, Newell’s son-in-law, added European breeds which includes the Welsh Pony, Shetland pony, and thoroughbreds. With extensive inbreeding, he was able to gain consistently small sizes within the herd. |  |
Miniature Horse Characteristics
The Miniature Horse is a small, sound, well-balanced horse. Its head is proportion to the length of the neck and body. It has a broad forehead with large prominent eyes, set wide apart, but short distance between the eyes and muzzle. Its medium size ears are pointed and carried alertly with tips curving slightly inward. The neck is flexible, lengthy and in proportion to the body and type and blends smoothly into the withers.
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When viewed from front or back, its legs are straight and parallel. Squarely set when viewed from side with its hooves pointing directly ahead. Pasterns sloping about 45 degrees and blends smoothly with no change in angle from the hooves to the ground. Hooves are round and compact. The miniature comes in all possible colors. |
Miniature Horses can be seen in performance classes like halter obstacle, hunter jumper, showmanship, costume, liberty, and driving. Driving classes are popular at the more than 250 AMHA horse shows nationwide.
| Their gentle, affectionate nature and small size makes them an excellent companion. Miniature Horses are often used as pets for young children, adults, senior citizens, and handicapped. A large horse can intimidate a small child, however the same child will show eagerness to embrace and hug a Miniature foal. |  |
Foals size range from 16-21 inches in height at birth. Miniature Horse is an excellent substitute for the full size horse for the handicapped people that they may not be able to handle physically.
What do Miniature Horses eat?
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The natural foods of Miniature Horse are grasses and grains. They love grasses and make excellent lawn mowers. Hay is also suitable if grass is not available. You can also give small quantities of crimped oats to complete their daily nutritional regimen. They should also have access to a daily source of free choice salt and trace minerals. |
Miniature horses like any other pets should always have clean cool water to drink. They are also fond of apples, candy, soda, and breakfast cereal.
Miniature Horse Grooming
| Twice a year, Miniature horses shed, once in the spring as they lose their winter coats and again in fall as their winter coat grows in. Miniature horses love to be brushed, and their teeth should be brushed daily. They can also be bathed occasionally, but remember that bathing frequently will dry out their skin. |  |
Veterinary Care for Miniature Horse
Miniature Horses like dogs need regular veterinary care. Yearly immunization is needed and bi-monthly de-worming to keep them healthy and protected against disease. A de-wormer, Invermectin, can be administrated orally by the horse owner. They also need a farrier to trim their hooves every six to eight weeks.
