Miniature Horses
WHAT IS A MINIATURE
HORSE?
The American Miniature Horse comes in every conceivable
color and pattern. They cannot be taller than 34 inches when measured from last
hairs of the mane. Every
conceivable color and pattern can be found.
Miniature Horses of today are well -proportioned and look like the
“big” horse.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN
MINIATURE HORSE ASSOCIATION (AMHA)?
This Association was founded in 1978 be a group of dedicated horsemen to aid and encourage the breeding, exhibiting, use and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse, separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. They recognize Miniature horses no taller than 34 inches when measured from the last hairs of the mane. Temporary papers are issued to eligible Miniature horses whose parents are both registered with the AMHA. If after 5 years of age the horse is 34 inches or less, application may be made for permanent registration. The AMHA will not allow an immature horse (two years and younger) to show if it does not meet the following height guidelines: weanlings cannot exceed 30 inches; yearlings cannot exceed 32 inches; two-year olds cannot exceed 33 inches.
There are more than 250 AMHA sponsored shows throughout the United States and Canada each year with classes for the entire family. There are also other Regional and Local shows that you can show your Mini.
For more information about Miniature Horses and this Registry click here, http:www.amha.com this site contains a wealth of information on the Miniature Horse, find articles on health, purchasing guidelines, Local Clubs, and much more.
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We are members of both the American Miniature Horse Association and the Southwest Idaho Miniature Horse Association. |
WHO IS THE MINIATURE
HORSE FOR?
These horses fill the need for those people who would like
a small horse and have either a large yard or small acreage.
They are not much larger than a large dog. Miniature horses are great
around smaller children and will make ideal pets as well.
They are too small to ride but they are strong enough to pull a cart.
Miniature horses are not intimidating as the “big” horses can be.
Mini’s are good for handicap people, they are therapeutic to watch,
they can help build confidence not only in children but in adults as well.
Children enjoy them since Mini’s are the right size for them to handle.
If you are 2 or 92, these horses are ideal for you.
The most important question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your Mini. The Miniature horse is the horse for everyone whether you are 2 or 92 years old. The Miniature horses are naturally gentle and elegant looking horses. The Miniature horses are popular with young children, older adults, and individuals with special needs. They are affectionate and curious and they are easy to handle. They make great pets. Families are getting involved and working together to care for their Mini’s. Families have gotten involved in showing their Mini’s so it has become a family affair. The classes are for the variety skill levels from youth, novice, amateur, and the professional.
Young children may be afraid of the standard-size horse because of their size but feel more at ease with the mini horse due the their size difference. The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) recognizes miniature horses no taller than 34 inches from the last hair of the mane. When they are born miniature horses range between 16 to 21 inches in height. Younger children can immediately embrace these babies so there are no intimidation factors. Feeding and daily care can be taught to even a young child. When a young child is guided in the proper care of these horses they learn discipline, responsibility, and respect. When they work with a Miniature horse they build confidence and self-esteem. In the show ring they learn competitiveness and sportsmanship. To win is very rewarding but to lose and to congratulate the winner builds character.
Older people who are no longer as mobile as they use to be and having troubles handling a standard size horse find the Miniature Horse very rewarding and satisfying to own. They can enjoy them as pets for companionship, or in the show ring competing in various different events, or enjoy driving them in parades or around their home, taking them to retirement centers to share them with others.
Retired Adults who are looking for a hobby to enjoy or as a companion, these horses are right for them as well.
Some people enjoy owning them for investment reasons as well. It costs an average $10 to $30 month to feed one miniature horse, which is one-tenth the cost of maintaining a larger horse. The estimated return on investment is high, as Miniature foals of good quality and bloodlines are always in great demand.
All these people will enjoy and cherish their companionship with their Miniature horse for whatever reason these horses are purchased. Miniature horses are sought after by young and old. In a recent survey conducted by the AMHA the average age of the AMHA member is 50.3 years. That same survey noted that 65% of the Association’s member’s are women.
People with special needs have found these miniature horses a great substitute for the full size horse since they can be handled easier. The handicap person can also compete in the show ring.
The Miniature Horse is very versatile. They can compete at Horse Show for various different classes such as in-hand, obstacles, halter, pleasure driving, and roadster driving, and liberty. These classes are for the amateur, youth and for those who have shown before.
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Mystic and Madison |
Ben & Maggie |
Madison playing with T.J. |
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
The cost of maintaining a Miniature horse is about one-tenth the cost of a large horse. The caring for these small horses is easy and can be performed by any person of any age. Feeding and daily care can be taught to even a young child.
FEEDING your Mini is quite a bit cheaper than the larger horse. The cost to feed a Miniature horse is about what it would cost to feed a large dog. Minis do have a tendency to over eat and they do not go out of their way to drink water so you should keep both water and feed close to each other. They should also have a salt block for this reason that includes trace minerals. They require two feedings a day.
HOOF CARE is essential and owners need to have young horses feet trimmed at an early age and the hooves should be picked out every day and trimmed on a regular basis by a Farrier who specializes in working with Miniatures. They do not wear shoes. Many owners learn to trim their Mini’s hooves themselves.
GROOMING your Miniature on a regular basis whether he is a pet, show horse, or breeding stock is essential. He will become accustom to your touch, which will create a special bond between the two of you.
Miniature Horses are very healthy horses and if they are kept healthy and given their immunizations, hoofs trimmed and de-wormed on a regular basis your Mini should stay healthy. They should have a shelter for stormy weather and plenty of room to run. Mini’s are kept in all kinds of areas ranging from large yards to farm or ranch type areas. Remember, they are horses, so they should not be kept inside the house. The shelter that you provide can be as simple as you want to make it or as elaborate as your budget will allow.