The American Miniature is a "height" breed; they must measure no more than 34 inches in height at maturity. This measurement is the vertical distance from the last hairs at the base of the mane to the ground. These tiny equine are replicas of their larger breed cousins and will look like Quarter Horses, Arabs, Thoroughbreds, and Draft Horses.
The American Miniature Horse Association's Standard of Perfection calls for a small, sound, well-balanced horse, possessing correct conformation characteristics. These horses are not dwarves, runts, or "genetic" errors, but are produced by selectively breeding down in size yet maintaining as near-perfect conformation as possible.
Miniature Horses thrive on attention and display a curiosity and intelligence that make them delightful companions, allowing people of all ages to enjoy them. People who find that they can no longer handle the 1,000 pound-plus horse do not have to give up their passion for horses, they may simply switch over to the smaller animal. Those who have never experienced that very special thrill of ownership, yet always wanted to, are finding that the "mini" is a wonderful opportunity. These little horses have already proved their worth in therapeutic programs for the disabled child or adult, as well as with the aged. People in high-pressure jobs find them to be a wonderful aid in relieving stress.
It is very common to find a group of Miniature Horse owners together, either at a show or club meeting, and they will be a fascinating group, for they come from a multitude of backgrounds--white collar, blue collar, professionals from all fields, students, retirees, etc...
The cost or value of a Miniature Horse is dictated by many factors, such as age (foal or mature), sex (stallion, mare, gelding), size, conformation, show record, and the extent of its recorded background (bloodline).
Care of the Miniature Horse is the same as that of the larger breeds, however, on a much smaller scale with regard to feed, deworming doses, medication and such. Grain is measured by the cup and roughage by a particle flake of hay. The Miniature Horse loves to be outside and several will find an acre or less plenty of room to exercise and graze, while indoor facilities are adequate with a stall size of 6 feet by 8 feet.
Their transport is easy, whether it be by way of a station wagon, van, pickup truck with enclosed bed, custom-made "mini" trailer, or even a conventional horse trailer. These animals have also been known to accompany their owners on airplane flights (in the cargo bay) as excess baggage.
 Myth To Reality The Bedouin tribes of the desert, believing the horse to be a gift from God, told many romantic tales of the Arabian's beginnings. One such legend claims God fashioned the desert south wind into a creature who "shall fly without wings". No matter how the horse came to the desert, Bedouins took them as prized members of their households. Individual horses were selected for the gentle, affection...
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 Named for the forest in southern England, where this breed originated, the New Forest pony is one of the recognized breeds of mountain and moorland ponies of the British Isles. They are noted for intelligence, strength, versatility and a quiet, willing-to-please temperament. Of all the native British pony breeds, New Foresters are the least afraid of man.
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 One of the classic native breeds of England, the Fell Pony is noted for its hardiness, courage and adaptability. Its docile temperament makes it popular with riding and trekking stables, and it is also well suited for driving, is a creditable jumper and has the ability to trot for long distances at a steady speed. Bred for the harsh environment of England's north country where feed is always a...
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 Mestnaya estonskaya, Estonskaya loshad, Estonian Klepper, Estonian Pony The Estonian Native is one of the few breeds which has retained the characteristic features of the native northern horse and were not significantly influenced by crossing with other breeds. It played an important role in the formation of the Obva (now extinct) and Vyatka breeds. The breed has also been used with the Hackney in the formation of the Tori breed and with Ardennes in forming the Estoni...
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 The origin of the Falabella horse can be linked to the origins of a horse in Latin America called the Andalusian horse that the Spaniards brought with them to accomplish the enormous task of the conquest--chosen for their rusticity and resistance. They were later left to survive on their own due to unsuccessful attempts to conquer the area's human inhabitants. The name comes from the family wh...
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 This is a native North Caucasian breed found mainly in the Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Republic and in the foothills area of Stavropol territory. In the process of its formation the Kabarda was influenced by many breeds - steppe horses, the Karabakh, the Persian and the Turkmenian. Kabarda horses are kept in taboons and transferred to mountain pastures in summer and to the foothills area in winter...
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