How to Select a Miniature Horse

The miniature horse should look like an exact replica of a larger horse - only smaller.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• National Horse Magazines
• Horsecarts
• 8-foot Lead Rope
• Halter

1. Check the horse's height, measuring at the last hair of the mane. In order to be a registered miniature horse in the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR), the horse cannot measure more than 38 inches in height; the maximum-height requirement for the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) is 34 inches.

2. Know that miniature horses come in every color.

3. Understand that miniature horses have bloodlines that include Dutch and English mine horses, and were used in the Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950.

4. Miniature horses come in two basic body types: a draft horse type and a fine-boned refined type. The ideal miniature is a mixture of the two.

5. Attend the American Miniature Horse Association National Show in October.

6. Read the official miniature horse magazine called The Miniature Horse World.

7. Understand that the miniature horse makes an ideal horse for pulling carts.

8. Keep in mind that some of the pedigrees of today's miniatures come from the Shetland pony.

9. Know that the miniature horse makes a great pet and has a nice disposition.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on the miniature horse, contact the American Miniature Horse Association at 5601 S. Interstate 35W, Alvarado, TX 76009, [phone].
• Horses have personalities just as humans do; it's advisable to spend time with a horse to get to know its personality before you buy it.

on 11/22/2005 Mini horses hooves are high to maintain, so you will need a good farrier or a farrier to teach you how to give them a trim. I think it best to do research on the web or in
the library.

on 11/22/2005 In terms of conformation, there are certain check points to consider when purchasing a miniature horse. It is always wise to ask another seasoned breeder or owner of miniature horses to come along when you inspect the potential purchase, especially if you're not aware of all the possible problem areas of this breed. A good bite and straight legs are fairly easy to see, but sometimes only a seasoned breeder can identify a potential locking stifle problem (and steer the buyer to buy elsewhere or make another choice).

on 4/16/2007 There are lots of miniature horses going to slaughter. Adoption of a miniature horse is a noble deed!

on 11/22/2005 Falabella Miniature Horses are becoming quite popular. Most of the appaloosa coloring you see in miniature horses today originated from the Falabella. The Falabella originated in Argentina and has its own registry (FMHA). Falabellas average 28.5" in their native land. All colors are available, as well as all types of conformation.

on 11/22/2005 I have 2 mini-mares and they are wonderful pets. They are as playful as puppies, but remember that they ARE horses and sometimes will kick, bite and strike out with their front hooves. Use care and common sense around them and they are great pets!