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.
Source:
Breeds of Livestock
