OCTOBER 1995 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 10/1/95; 10:00:00 AM.

What is a Miniature Horse?

The AMHA registered American Miniature Horse is a unique breed -- an elegant, little scaled-down version of the large size horse -- and cannot be taller than 34 inches when measured at the last hairs of the mane. Today's stylish and perfectly proportioned Miniatures are the product of nearly 400 years of selective breeding. Although many purchases and breedings of Miniature Horses have been regularly documented in America since the early 1800's, accurate accounts and pedigrees were not maintained by most breeders until the 1940's. Now, with the recently closed registry of AMHA, breeders will be required to maintain accurate pedigrees on all their stock, and foals may not be registered unless both of their parents are also registered with AMHA.

What Type of Care do They Require?

The Miniatures require much the same care as a standard size horse except in much smaller quantities. One acre of grazing is suggested for two Miniatures, but it is possible to keep one in a good-sized backyard with supplemental feeding. A bale of hay will usually last one mini for a month and approximately one pound of a good grade commercial food per 100 pounds of body weight is normally adequate as a daily ration for a stalled horse.

Like big horses, they need their shots and a good deworming program. Because of their size, people tend to overprotect them, but they are just as hardy as any other equine with regard to weather conditions. They need to be groomed as often as possible and their feet trimmed at least two or three times a year.

Minis have the same gestation period as their full-sized kin - 11 months or 345 days. Foaling does not seem to be any more difficult for them than it is for the large mare.

More Information can be obtained from:
The American Miniature Horse Association, Inc.
5601 South IH 35W
Alvarado, TX 76009
817/783-5600