Miniature Horse

The Miniature Horse is a unique breed, an elegant little scaled down version of a larger sized horse, measuring no more than 34 inches. A miniature holds much appeal to all kinds of people both adults and children. These little horses have a natural attraction.

Miniature horses can be used for showing, harness, performance (trail, jumping, hunting), breeding and most importantly, pets. A miniature horse is capable of pulling a small cart with two adults for at least 10kms. Many people enjoy showing miniature horses at breed shows,which can range from National and State Championships to Royal and local agricultural shows.

The preparation and presentation of miniature horses is the same as large breeds, hence members spend many hours grooming and exercising these small horses so that they may be shown. One of the most rewarding things with miniature horse is the breeding. The miniature horse foals are most rewarding. They are normally born between 17 and 21 inches high which is the same size as a normal family dog. The Miniature Horse is also very suitable for older people or perhaps people with disabilities, who can no longer manage a large horse.

The Breed ...

This breed is, in a true form, different to other small pony breeds. It is especially being developed to differ to the Shetland. Pony blood is used to reduce their height, but it is a tool, not the breed itself. The Breed Standard of Excellence offers the insight - "If there were no size reference, the Miniature Horse might give the illusion of being a full sized horse" eg. Thoroughbred, Arabian etc. There is a complete and distinct difference between the "pony" and the "horse" type of Miniature. A difference which will, in the future, become more marked and distinct, not less, as the Breed becomes increasingly "set" in each generation.

Height for Age Guidelines...

Breed Standard of Excellence ...

General Impression - a small, sound well balanced horse, measuring no more than 8.2 hands (34 inches) at the base of the mane, possessing the confirmation characteristics desirable of most breeds. Miniature Horses should show refinement and femininity in the mare, and boldness and masculinity in the stallion, at the same time, displaying an impeccable temperament. The general impression should be one of refinement, symmetry, agility and an alert intelligence. Since the Breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given the smaller horse for its age, when other characteristics are equal.

Size -No more than 34 inches at the base of the last hairs of the mane.

Head-in proportion to length of neck and body. Broad forehead with large expressive eyes set well apart; comparatively short distance between eyes and muzzle, profile straight or slightly concave below eyes; large nostrils; clean refined muzzle.

Teeth - an even bite, no more than 3mm out. Overshot or parrot mouth a disqualification.

Ears - medium sized, pointed and alert, tips curving slightly inwards.

Throat-Latch - clean and well-defined, allowing ample flexion at the poll.

Neck - flexible and lengthy in proportion to body and style; blending smoothly into withers.

Shoulder - long, sloping and well-angulated, allowing a free-swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage, well muscled forearm.

Body - well-muscled with ample bone and substance,without being "heavy", 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.

Gait - smooth and fluid gait in motion; naturally free-moving.

Legs - set straight and parallel when viewed from front and back; straight true and squarely set when viewed from the side with hooves pointing directly ahead, pasterns sloping approximately 45 degrees and blending smoothly with no change of angle from the hooves to the ground; hooves to be round and compact, trimmed suitably but not excessively for an unshod horse.

Colour - any colour or marking pattern is acceptable. Any eye-colour is allowed, although brown is the preferred colour; the coat should be lustrous and silky.

Temperament - good temperament is one of the utmost importance, curious, alert, intelligent and friendly; poor or vicious temperament is considered a fault.

Showing ...

The Miniature Horse can be shown in a freshly-clipped coat or clipped with a new coat established or in a natural condition. Mane and tail are to be shown free flowing in halter and in-hand events. Hooves to be unshod in the halter and in-hand events. Plaiting, braiding and suitable decorative trim is permissible only in Performance Events. Handlers Dress is to be neat attire with secure and safe footwear. General preparation and presentation will be at the discretion of the owner, but the Association states that the horse must be shown to it's best possible visual and health advantage, in order to promote the Miniature Horse Breed as one of beauty, intelligence and gentleness.

Temperament is absolutely vital in these small horses. Any form of meanness, stubborness, or vice is a penalty or even a disqualifiable offence. The Miniature Horse is a creature of very high intelligence, curiosity, alertness and friendliness. It is a rarity for even a mature stallion to be shown in a bit, they should not need them! Most often they are shown in a fine show-halter to accentuate and highlight the fine head and trim build.

Content from http://members.iinet.net.au/~peterah/mhaa/

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