Breeds of Horses - The Miniature Horse

Miniature Horses are for the Entire Family














Hal Driving

"The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." This statement can be applied to any size horse and all people, young or old. A small child may be afraid of a standard size horse, yet the same child will show eagerness to embrace and hug a miniature foal. Older people (no longer as mobile as they might like to be) who cannot mount a full sized horse can still enjoy driving a miniature horse and showing it in Pleasure Driving, Roadster or Obstacle Classes. Handicapped people can also be very competitive in the show ring or perhaps simply enjoy the feeling of mobility while driving a mini around the neighborhood.

Showing a miniature horse can be a family affair as classes are offered for all ages: youth and adult showmanship, driving, halter and costume classes. There's even Lucille Ball and Jack Benny classes for exhibitors over 59 years of age.

Caring for these small horses is easy and can be performed safely by almost any age. Feeding, washing and grooming are tasks easily learned by a six year old.











The most rewarding aspect of miniature horse ownership is the togetherness and sharing that occurs as a result. It can be a learning experience for all and everyone will enjoy a renewed sense of accomplishment. The thrill and satisfaction that comes from winning that first ribbon makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Guiding a young child in the proper care of the miniature horse will teach discipline, responsibility and respect. A child's self esteem will be enhanced from the praise received for a job well done.

In the show ring one learns competitiveness and sportsmanship. To win is exciting, but to lose and congratulate the winner builds character which carries over into other aspects of life.

Nutrition for the Miniature Horse
(See also our article about feeding ponies)

Like all horses, miniatures have a delicate digestive system. A regular feeding program should be implemented based on the time of year and the horse's use, age and condition. Feeding at a regular time each day, along with gradual changes as needed in the diet, will help prevent feed associated diseases such as colic and founder. Combinations of legume (alfalfa) and oat hay provide an excellent source of protein, energy and vitamins for the average miniature. A trace mineral salt block and clean water should always be available.

For the working, growing, pregnant or lactating horse, additional energy and protein should be provided in the form of grain or pelleted supplements.

Mixing a sound nutritional program with affectionate attention may help both you and your miniature live a long and healthy life.

Conditioning and Showing

A horse which displays proper body conformation and is in good health, receiving a balanced and nutritious diet, should be placed on a conditioning program. One of the most difficult tasks with respect to conditioning is deciding which method is best for you and your horse. What works for one individual may not work for another. Miniatures should be exercised daily. Begin with a five to ten minute workout and exercise the horse until it begins to break a sweat. A well exercised horse is less likely to become bored and exhibit bad habits.

Whether lounging, driving or jumping a horse, it will soon show physical improvement. Then your horse is ready for the "grooming-to-win" process, regardless of which class you choose to enter.

Prior to loading a horse into the trailer bound for a show, it should be groomed and all tack cleaned and functioning properly. Bathing, brushing, combing, rubbing and other "show chores" should be complete. Touch-up and other details can wait until arrival at the show grounds.

Be prepared. Arrive at the show ring before the class is called with a clean and well trained horse. Dress properly for the specific class. Take all instruction from the ring steward and always keep the horse between yourself and the judge. If you have conditioned your horse and have it groomed properly, you should do well.

Proper care, a responsible owner, good training and a generous dose of love can provide a near trouble free life for today's miniature horses.
The American Miniature Horse Standard of Perfection

General Impression:
A small, sound, well balanced horse, possessing the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds - refinement and femininity in the mare, boldness and masculinity in the stallion. The general impression should be one of symmetry, strength, agility and alertness. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given the smaller horse, other characteristics being approximately equal.















Size: Must measure not more than 34 inches at the base of the last hairs on the mane.
Head: In proportion to length of neck and body. Broad forehead with large prominent eyes, set wide apart. Comparatively short distance between eyes and muzzle. Profile straight of slightly concave below the eyes. Large nostrils. Clean, refined muzzle. Even bite.
Ears: Medium in size. Pointed. Carried alertly, with tips curving slightly inward.
Throat-latch: Clean and well defined, allowing ample flexation at the poll.
Neck: Flexible, lengthy, in proportion to body and type and blending smoothly into the withers.
Shoulder: Long sloping and well angulated, allowing a free swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage.
Body: Well muscled, with ample bone and substance. Balanced and well proportioned. Short back and loins in relation to length of underline. Smooth and generally level topline. Deep girth and flank. Trim barrel.
Hindquarter: Long, well muscled hip, thigh and gaskin. Highest point or croup to be same height as wither. Tail set neither excessively high or low, but smoothly rounding off rump.
Legs: Set straight and parallel when viewed from front or back. Straight, true and squarely set, when viewed from side with hooves pointing directly ahead. Pasterns sloping about 45 degrees and blending smoothly, with no change of angle, from the hooves to the ground. Hooves to be round and compact, trimmed as short as practicable for an unshod horse. Smooth, fluid gait in motion.
Color: Any color or marking pattern and any eye color is equally acceptable. The hair should be lustrous and silky.

Show Disqualifications: Height in excess of 34 inches. Cryptorchidism* in senior stallions. Any unsoundness or inheritable deformity. If in doubt, judges may request the opinion of the show veterinarian. Non-disfiguring blemishes not associated with unsoundness, or injuries which are temporary, should not be penalized unless they impair the general appearance and/or action of the horse.

(*Cryptorchidism: a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend properly.)