Breed Spotlight  American Miniature
American Miniature
Something really special....
The American Miniature Horse
The Miniature Horse Is The Horse For Everyone!
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Miniature Horse, A Unique Breed of Equine
An elegant, scaled down version of the largest horse, the American Miniature cannot be taller than 34 inches at the withers. The Miniature horses of today are stylish, well proportioned and the product of nearly 400 years of selected breeding.
The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) is the official registry of the American Miniature horse. Formed in 1978, the AMHA was organized by a group of dedicated horsemen to aid and encourage the breeding, exhibiting, use and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse. According to the Rules and Regulations and By-Laws of the AMHA, an animal exceeding 34 inches in height is not eligible for registration with the Association. Temporary registration certificates are issued to eligible Miniature horses whose parents are both registered with the AMHA. If after five years of age the horse is 34 inches or under, application for permanent registration may be made. The AMHA closed its registry on December 31, 1987, allowing only offspring of AMHA-registered parents to be registered.
Because of their gentle, affectionate nature and small size, a Miniature horse is an excellent companion. They are ideal 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.
Abrias Daring Eclipse
2002 Chestnut Colt
(Martin Boozers Daring Difference x Little Kings Kiss of Buckeroo)
Abria Miniatures, Michigan
photo: Vesty.com Because their size prohibits any but the smallest children to ride them, many people wonder what you can do with a Miniature horse. Although many people enjoy Miniatures as pets, many owners show their horses at the more than 250 AMHA-sanctioned horse shows nationwide. In addition to showing at halter, Driving the Miniature horse has become a very popular way owners are enjoying their Miniature horses. There are a variety of driving classes at each of the shows, including Single Pleasure Driving Classes (Youth, Amateur, AOTE, Ladies, Gentlemen, Open Single Pleasure Driving 32-34 inch horse, Open Single Pleasure Driving 30-32 inch horse, Single Pleasure Driving Mares, Single Pleasure Driving Stallions, Single Pleasure Driving Geldings, Obstacle Driving, a variety of Country Pleasure Driving Classes, and a variety of Roadster Driving Classes!) In addition, there are a number of great jumping classes, costume classes and much more. We have a wide variety of special Amateur classes, AOTE (Amateur owned and Trained) Classes, and a lot of popular Youth Classes. Many shows across the nation have as many as 80-110 different classes! The competition is fun and challenging as more and more people join the AMHA and join in the fun!
Pictured here, and also in the main title:
National Winner
Champion Farms Sir Signature
1998 33.5" Bay Pinto Stallion
(Cross Country Call Me Sir x Champion Farms Hannah's Anna)
Abria Miniatures, Michigan
photo: Vesty.com
History and Origin of the Breed
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.
Colorful myths abound about the origin of the Miniature horse. Contemporary historians tend to support the breed as a derivative of many sources. In pre-historic times, small horse breeds were likely the products of surviving harsh natural climates and limited feed. Too, with knowledge of genetics, it is possible to breed specifically for size. It is known that, at various times in equine history, Miniature horses have been bred for pets, novelty, research, monetary gain, mining work, exhibition, and royal gifts. In addition to the pre-historic evidence of small equids, it is speculated that the Miniature horse is a result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding of many extracts.
Little King's White Russian
33.5" Cremello Stallion
(Boone's Little Buckeroo x Little Kings Buckeroo Cameo)
Owned by Little King Farm, Madison, Indiana
photo: Vesty.com
The first mention of a small horse being imported to the United States was in 1888; and it appears, there was little public awareness of true Miniatures during the year preceding 1960. It is believed that the American Miniature horse utilized the blood of the English and Dutch mine horses brought to this country in the 19th century and used in some Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. The American Miniature horse, as documented in the pedigrees of some Miniatures today, also drew upon the blood of the Shetland pony.
In 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association, Inc., was organized to aid and encourage the breeding use and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse, separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. According to the AMHA's Rules and Regulations and Bylaws, an animal exceeding 34 inches in height is not eligible for registration with the Association. To date, AMHA has registered over 114,000 Miniature horses.
The broodmare band enjoys an early morning trot in the spacious pastures of the Little King Farm in Madison, Indiana
photo: Vesty.com
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. The Miniature Horses of today are stylish, well proportioned and the product of nearly 400 years of selected breeding.
Multi Champion
Southridge Destinys Undenied
2001 Golden Palomino Pinto Gelding
(Alvadars Double Destiny x Manipulators Painted Perfection)
Owned By Jonathan Whitt, JSW Farm, Kentucky
photo: Vesty.com
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.
Flight of Fancy's Champagne Taste
1994 322 Palomino Stallion
(NFC Dandy's Dynamite x Iron Gates Miss Margaret)
Alvadar Training & Foaling Center, Michigan
photo: Vesty.com
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.
Official 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 withers, at the last hairs of the mane.
Boone's Little Buckeroo
National Grand Champion Producer
Little King Farm, Madison, Indiana
photo: Vesty.com
Without a doubt, Buckeroo is the most well known Miniature stallion in the world today. He holds the unequaled record of winning three National Grand Champion Senior Stallion Titles
* 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 or 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 flexion 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 carriage of head and neck. Well muscled forearm.
* 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 top line. Deep girth and flank. Trim barrel.
* HINDQUARTERS: Long, well muscled hip, thigh and gaskin. Highest point of croup to be same height as withers. 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 the 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 patterns, and any eye color, is equally acceptable. The hair should be lustrous and silky.
* SHOW DISQUALIFICATIONS: Height in excess of 34 inches. Monorchidism in Senior Stallions. Any unsoundness or inheritable deformity. If in doubt, the show Judge 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.
Martin Boozers Daring Difference
1994 34" Sorrel Pinto Stallion
(Bond Boozer X My Own Minuet)
Multi-National Grand Champion Driving Horse
Owned by the Daring Difference Syndicate
Mason, Michigan
photo: Vesty.com
Significant Factors for a Newcomer to Know
1) Basic horse knowledge. Miniature horses are horses with the same reactions and motivations as large size horses. While Miniatures tend to be affectionate and easy to handle, as with all equines, temperaments and abilities vary by the individual. Before purchasing, it is important for a newcomer to consider his/her level of experience and abilities with horses and what he/she plans to do as a Miniature owner. For someone new to horses or limited physically, it may be wise to shop for a mature, well trained Mini.
2) Research. Learn about the breed. Visit reputable breeders. Request information from the American Miniature Horse Association. Visit the AMHA and Miniature Farms' web sites. Read the Miniature Horse World Magazine. Locate and attend Miniature Horse shows.
3) Maintaining a Miniature Horse is about 1/10th the cost of maintaining a large size horse. One acre can support as many as three Miniature horses. Mini's 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.
4) Miniature horses should never be ridden by any but the smallest children; however, they are adept at learning, to drive. A variety of driving classes are important and popular elements in all AMHA- approved shows.
5) Once someone has held a 17"-21" Miniature foal, that person will never be the same. Miniature babies tend to be affectionate, curious and too cute to resist!
Cross Country Reach for the Stars
1997 33" Bay Mare
(Cross Country Call Me Sir X Cross Country Mountain Shadow)
AMHA Grand Champion Winner
Abria Miniatures, Michigan
photo: Vesty.com
People Who Own Miniature Horses
There are many reasons to own a Miniature horse. Some are purchased as investments; some as pets by families with small children; some as hobbies for retired adults; and some as a way to share activity with children and grandchildren; and some strictly as loving companions. While Miniature horses are owned and loved by people of all ages, a recent survey conducted by the American Miniature Horse Association shows the average member to be educated, up-scale, 40-50 years old, and two thirds more likely to be female. Each AMHA member/household owns an average of 16 horses; and on average, each member/household has close to 5 foals per year. Over half the members actively show their Miniature horses.
Many Miniature horse owners are first time horse owners; and it's not unusual for the first time owner to have come from a history of breeding and showing dogs. It seems especially difficult for Miniature horse enthusiasts to own "just one" Mini; and in the Miniature horse "culture" there is a prevailing enthusiasm for Miniature births and the opportunity to hold a new-born foal.
Children and Miniature Horses - a natural and winning combination!
photo: Vesty.com
Breed Organization
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 $116,000 were awarded in 1999.
The greatest challenge currently facing the Miniature horse is "awareness". The Miniature horse has an appeal that is different from larger breeds; humans are more able to interact with them on an individual basis. Imagine being able to hold a horse in your lap or transport it inside of your vehicle. The Mini's small stature enables anyone interested in an equine experience to do so without the fear factor or the extensive operating costs attached to larger breeds.
In the forefront: champion producer,
Little King's Love Note
1991 31 3*42 Chestnut Mare
(Kokomo's Little Don Wan X Merri Jim's Goldcrest Crystal)
Owned by Pine Ridge Miniature Horses
photo: Vesty.com
This past year marked the registration of AMHA's 100,000th foal. The growth of the Miniature horse industry is due to the special appeal of the Miniature as, truly, "the horse for everyone". They can be handled by young and old alike. At Miniature horse shows, you may see children as Young as two Years of age showing in the ring and senior citizens driving in the cart classes at over eighty years of age! The gentle nature of the Mini allows us to offer classes for mentally and physically impaired people. And, several rehabilitation camps have begun using Miniatures in their programs.
Each year, AMHA announces the National Futurity Top Ten Sires as determined by the total moneys won by their foals.
For More Information, Contact:
American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA)
Duane McPherson - Executive Director
ExecDirector@amha.org
5601 South Interstate 35W
Alvarado, Texas 76009
Telephone: (817) 783-5600
Web Site: http://www.amha.com
information@amha.org
Official AMHA publication:
Miniature Horse World
5601 S. Interstate 35 W
Alvarado, TX 76009
Carolyn Wills - Editor
miniaturehorseworld@amha.org
Information supplied by the American Miniature Horse Association
Useful American Miniature Horse Links
American Miniature Horse Association
The Official Web Site of the AMHA
http://www.amha.com
"Miniature Horse World Magazine"
The official publication of the American Miniature Horse Association http://www.amha.com/Text/amhaworldmag.html
The Miniature Marketsheet Buyer's Guide
P.O. Box 629
Lucedale, MS 39452-0629
phone: (601) 947-2131
info@miniaturemarketsheet.com
MiniHorseMKT.com
Online buyers guide for the promotion and sale of the American Miniature Horse
30709 Powell Drive
Exeter, CA 93221
phone: (559) 592-4815
Minihorsemarket@aol.com
"Miniature Horse Voice"
P.O. Box 857
Loris, SC 29569
Phone: 843-756-MINI (6464).
Fax: 843-756-8899
MHVoice@aol.com
Acknowledgement
Thank you . . .
to those who helped make this Miniature Horse feature special:
Stuart Vesty for his continued support and use of his exceptional photographs. Contact Stuart through his web site at: http://www.Vesty.com
Carolyn Wills- Commercial Director of the American Miniature Horse Association for granting copyright permission.
CommDirector@amha.org
W. Anthony Pontrello, of BIG FAT HORSE for production of this feature info@BIGFATHORSE.com
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