| About Miniature Horses |
| A gentle, affectionate breed, the American Miniature Horse of today has evolved, after 400 years of selective breeding, as an elegant, well-proportioned equine. As a result of their friendly nature and versatility, the miniature horse is the fastest growing breed in popularity in the USA. They require less space (2 horses on 1 acre of good pasture is sufficient), less feed (measured in ounces rather than pounds), and because of their small size are easier to handle, especially for children, or the physically impaired. |
| Meet the American Miniature Horse, a height breed, measuring 38 inches or less at the withers (last hair of the mane). They come in all equine colors from appaloosa and pinto, to all variations of solid colors. What do you do with them? Everything a standard horse does except adult riding. The miniature horse is a versatile breed of equine, in addition to being excellent companions, they compete in driving (country pleasure, roadster, multiple hitch), jumping, hunter, obstacle, liberty, showmanship, youth, amateur, handicapped. |
| There are several miniature horse registries in the USA, with the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) being the largest and most well known. This registry sanctions hundreds of shows all over the country and horses compete for points to earn the privilege of showing at the National Shows. The AMHA only recognizes horse 34 inches and under. The second most common registry is the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). They recognize the A division under 34 inches but they also recognize a B division for horse over 34 inches to 38 inches. The third most common registry is the World Class Miniature Horse Registry (WCMHR), they recognize the A and B division of horses. Most Pinto Miniatures can also be registered in the Pinto Horse Assocation. In the show ring, judges are looking for exceptional conformation, movement, "masculinity" in the stallion, "femininity" in the mare, among many other criteria. Each class, whether halter or performance, has a strict set of guidelines which must be met in order to place in the ribbons. |
| There are over 100 miniature horse farms in Virginia, many of which are breeding farms. There are also several Virginia-farm owned minis who are AMHA nationally ranked. The Virginia Miniature Horse Club (VMHC) is a regional club focusing on the education and promotion of miniature horses in our area. We host bimonthly meetings and seminars, publish a bimonthly newsletter and assist the new mini owner in the care and ownership of the miniature horse. Most of all, we have lots of fun with miniature horses! |
| Miniature horses ("Minis") make wonderful pets as they thrive and compete for attention. They are curious, especially the foals, and love to play with "horse toys". Minis travel easily once accustomed to a trailer and going to a nursing home, library, parade or a school is a fun and rewarding experience. Taking your dog and miniature horse for a walk is great fun and canines love to ride in a cart being pulled by a mini. The properly trained and conditioned mini can pull 3 times their weight (usu. 2 adults) up to 10 miles. They draw a crowd wherever they go. |
| The American Miniature Horse is fast becoming the "horse of the future" and anyone that has met them, fall almost instantly in love with these special little equines. For more information on the miniature horse or the VMHC, you may email the club by clicking here. |
| This page was created from an article titled "A Horse is a Horse - Or Is it?", written by Peggy L. Toms, Timbercreek Miniature Horses |
