|
Home
Horses For Sale
Our Horses
About Mini Horses
Awards
About Us
Contact Us
Links |
What Are Miniature Horses?
The first true Miniature Horses originated in Europe.
As early as the sixteen hundreds, these tiny equines were being bred as pets
for the European nobility. Paintings and articles were featuring the
Miniature Horse by 1765. Lady Estella Hope and her sisters carried on the
original English lines into the mid-nineteen hundreds. Many of the smallest
Miniatures in the United States are from the Hope line. Unfortunately, not
all early Miniatures were pampered pets of kings and queens. Some were used
to work in the English Midlands and Northern European coal mines.
Breed Characteristics
An elegant, scaled-down version of the large-size
horse, the American Miniature Horse cannot be taller than 34 inches at the
withers for the A.M.H.A.
[ 34 inches at the withers for "A" division or 38 inches at the withers for
"B" division for the .A.M.H.R.}
The Miniature Horses of today are stylish, well-proportioned and the product
of nearly 400 years of selected breeding.
The Miniature Horses of today are stylish, well-proportioned and the product
of nearly 400 years of selected breeding.
The ideal Miniature Horse of today, according to the American Miniature
Horse Association's Standard of Perfection, must be small (standing at or
less than 34 inches tall as measured from the last hairs of the mane,) must
be sound, well-balanced, and possess the correct conformation
characteristics required of most breeds. The general impression should be
one of symmetry, strength, agility and alertness, with refinement and
femininity in the mare and boldness and masculinity in the stallion-in other
words, must be the smallest possible perfect horse. The Miniature comes in
all possible horse colors.
Miniature Horses are seen in performance classes - halter obstacle, hunter
jumper, showmanship, costume, liberty, and driving. A variety of driving
classes are popular at the more than 250 AMHA scantioned horse shows
nationwide, and include pleasure driving, roadster driving, obstacle
driving, single and multiple hitches and fine viceroy.
 |
Because of their gentle,
affectionate nature and small size, a Miniature Horse is also an
excellent companion. They are often used as pets for young children,
adults, senior citizens, and the handicapped. A small child may be
intimidated by a large horse, yet that same child will show an eagerness
to embrace and hug a Miniature foal. The foals are particularly lovable
due to their small size, ranging from 16 to 21 inches in height at
birth. Handicapped people have found the Miniature horse an excellent
substitute for the full-size horse they may not be able to physically
handle. |
Breed Organizations
The American Miniature Horse Association, the AMHA, was organized in 1978
by a group of dedicated horsemen to develop a standardized American breed and to
aid and encourage the breeding, exhibiting, use and perpetuation of the American
Miniature horse.
The AMHA hosts a National Futurity each year in conjunction with the National
Show. The Futurity was created to allow breeders to showcase their ability to
breed and raise exceptional Miniature Horses. Purses of over $88,000 were
awarded in 1996.
(Information supplied by the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA))
MINIATURE HORSE HISTORY AND BREED
CHARACTERISTICS- AMHR
The AMHR was established "to encourage the perpetuation and improvement of the
American Miniature Horse by providing and preserving an accurate and concise
record of births, pedigrees and ownership." Miniature enthusiasts, owners and
breeders were encouraged to become active members of the ASPC as it was the
parent organization and would be the administrator of the AMHR. Early in 1972,
MINI PONY TONY, 29" (#001P) was the first AMHR horse to be registered.
The general impression of an American Miniature Horse should be that of a
small, sound well-balanced equine, exhibiting strength, agility and
alertness. The disposition should be eager, willing to please and friendly.
The conformation, head and legs of a good miniature should be as free of
faults as any larger-sized breed of horses and ponies. Legs must be straight
and teeth meet evenly.
Miniatures come in nearly every color known to the equine world, with any
coat color, eye color and/or marking pattern being acceptable for showing
and breeding. "A" division miniatures must be 34" and under and "B" division
miniatures must be over 34", up to and including 38".
Miniatures are shown throughout the country in breed and performance
classes. Breed classes are divided by ages, sex, heights and color, and
performance classes include pleasure driving, hunter, jumper, obstacle in
hand and harness, fine harness and costume. There are many classes for
amateurs and youth. Even the elderly, physically or mentally challenged may
raise, show and enjoy these tiniest of the equine world.
(from the AMHR website)
|
