Frequently Asked Questions
THE AMERICAN MINIATURE HORSE ASSOCIATION, INC.
5601 S Interstate 35W
l Alvarado, TX 76009817.783.5600
l Fax 817.783.6403Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Q. What is a Miniature Horse?
A. The Miniature is a scaled down model of a full sized horse and can measure no more than 34 inches at the last hairs of the mane. The American Miniature Standard of Perfection calls for the smallest most perfectly conformed horse as the breed ideal. They come in all possible colors: pintos, appaloosas, buckskins, palominos as well as the more traditional colors: sorrel, white, blue roan, black, gray and dapple.
Q. Where did Miniature Horses come from?
A. The result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding, historians tend to support the Miniature Horse breed as a derivative of many sources. In prehistoric times small horse breeds were likely the products of surviving harsh natural climates and limited feed. Today, knowledge of genetics has made the possibility of breeding specifically for size a reality. Miniature Horses were used in England and in Northern Europe as early as 1765, to pull ore carts in the coalmines. They were also bred as pets for the royal families of Europe. The first mention of a small horse being imported into the United States was in 1888; and research shows little public awareness of true Miniatures until 1960. Popular belief is that American Miniature Horses utilized the blood of English and Dutch mine horses brought into this country and used in some Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. The American Miniature Horse, as documented in the pedigrees of Miniatures today, also drew upon the blood of the Shetland pony. Throughout its colorful past, the Miniature Horse breed has been bred for pets, novelty, research, monetary gain, mining work, exhibition and royal gifts.
Q. What is the size, weight and how long do they live?
A. An AMHA registered Miniature Horse can be no taller than the following for the different age groups as of January 1st of the current year.Weanling (born this year) no more than 30”
Yearling (born last year) no more than 32”
2 Year Old no more than 33”
3 Year Old and Older no more than 34”
A new foal will weigh about 25 pounds. It will take several months for the foal to weigh more than 50 pounds. A mature Miniature will weigh between 225 and 350 pounds, depending on the size, bone structure, sex and conditioning. A Miniature horse will have the same life span as a large horse, depending upon the care received. A Miniature that has been well cared for can live to be 20 to 30 years old
Q. What are they good for?
A. Practically anything you can do with a large horse (with the exception of riding) can also be done with a Miniature Horse. Because of their gentle, affectionate nature and small size, a Miniature Horse is an excellent pet. It is not uncommon to have a little nose nuzzling you as you try to go about your work in the barn or pasture. The foals are particularly lovable as they normally range between 16 to 21 inches in height at birth. Their birth weight is usually about 25 pounds. Many an owner has yielded to the temptation to pick up a foal like a baby and “rock away”. Many big horse owners will buy a Miniature for their children to love, learn to care for and ride years before they are ready for even the gentlest big horse. As the child outgrows riding the Miniature, it can easily pull a cart or small wagon with children and/or adults. Miniatures also make great show horses. American Miniature Horses are shown at halter, inhand hunter/jumper, obstacle, showmanship, single pleasure driving, country pleasure driving, roadster, multihitch driving, liberty and costume. AMHA shows are held throughout the United States and in Canada. A complete show calendar is printed in the
Miniature Horse World Magazine and listed online at www.amha.org.Q. Do people ride Miniature Horses?
A. Miniature Horses should never be ridden by anyone over 70 pounds; however, Miniatures are extremely adept at learning to drive. Although small children are of the appropriate weight and many Miniature Horses are gentle and willing mounts, as with any combination of horse and child, caution is advised.
Q. What and how much should I feed a Miniature Horse?
A.
Thankfully, Miniature Horses tend to thrive on pasture, sunshine and room to run and play. They are also prone to overeating, so it’s important to monitor their nutritional needs and avoid excessive food intake. At the same time, you want to provide nutrition appropriate to your geographical environment, your horse’s age and activity level. We recommend a call to your veterinarian and to some of the Miniature Horse trainers and breeders in your area for information specific to your location. We can fax you a copy of the breeders in your area from our current Breeders List. You might also want to visit our website at www.amha.org where many breeders are listed. Another great source of information is the bimonthly magazine, Miniature Horse World, provided as part of membership in AMHA.For more facts and information on Miniature Horses please contact the American Miniature Horse Association www.amha.org.
or American Miniature Horse Registry www.shetlandminiature.com