History and Origin of the Breed

The first true Miniature Horses originated in Europe. As early as the sixteen hundreds, these tiny equines were being bred as pets for the European nobility. Paintings and articles were featuring the Miniature Horse by 1765. Lady Estella Hope and her sisters carried on the original English lines into the mid-nineteen hundreds. Many of the smallest Miniatures in the United States are from the Hope line. Unfortunately, not all early Miniatures were pampered pets of kings and queens. Some were used to work in the English Midlands and Northern European coal mines.

Breed Characteristics

An elegant, scaled-down version of the large-size horse,the American Miniature Horse cannot be taller than 34 inches at the withers. The Miniature Horses of today are stylish, well-proportioned and the product of nearly 400 years of selected breeding.

The ideal Miniature Horse of today, according to the American Miniature Horse Association's Standard of Perfection, must be small (standing at or less than 34 inches tall as measured from the last hairs of the mane,) must be sound, well-balanced, and possess the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds. The general impression should be one of symmetry, strength, agility and alertness, with refinement and femininity in the mare and boldness and masculinity in the stallion-in other words, must be the smallest possible perfect horse. The Miniature comes in all possible horse colors.

Miniature Horses are seen in performance classes - halter obstacle, hunter jumper, showmanship, costume, liberty, and driving. A variety of driving classes are popular at the more than 250 AMHA scantioned horse shows nationwide, and include pleasure driving, roadster driving, obstacle driving, single and multiple hitches and fine viceroy.

Because of their gentle, affectionate nature and small size, a Miniature Horse is also an excellent companion. They are often used as pets for young children, adults, senior citizens, and the handicapped. A small child may be intimidated by a large horse, yet that same child will show an eagerness to embrace and hug a Miniature foal. The foals are particularly lovable due to their small size, ranging from 16 to 21 inches in height at birth. Handicapped people have found the Miniature horse an excellent substitute for the full-size horse they may not be able to physically handle.

Breed Organizations

The American Miniature Horse Association, the AMHA, was organized in 1978 by a group of dedicated horsemen to develop a standardized American breed and to aid and encourage the breeding, exhibiting, use and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse.

The AMHA hosts a National Futurity each year in conjunction with the National Show. The Futurity was created to allow breeders to showcase their ability to breed and raise exceptional Miniature Horses. Purses of over $88,000 were awarded in 1996.

(Information supplied by the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA))

MINIATURE HORSE HISTORY AND BREED CHARACTERISTICS- AMHR

The AMHR was established “to encourage the perpetuation and improvement of the American Miniature Horse by providing and preserving an accurate and concise record of births, pedigrees and ownership.” Miniature enthusiasts, owners and breeders were encouraged to become active members of the ASPC as it was the parent organization and would be the administrator of the AMHR. Early in 1972, MINI PONY TONY, 29” (#001P) was the first AMHR horse to be registered.

The general impression of an American Miniature Horse should be that of a small, sound well-balanced equine, exhibiting strength, agility and alertness. The disposition should be eager, willing to please and friendly. The conformation, head and legs of a good miniature should beas free of faults as any larger-sized breed of horses and ponies. Legs must be straight and teeth meet evenly.

Miniatures come in nearly every color known to the equine world, with any coat color, eye color and/or marking pattern being acceptable for showing and breeding. “A” division miniatures must be 34” and under and “B” division miniatures must be over 34”, up to and including 38”.

Miniatures are shown throughout the country in breed and performance classes. Breed classes are divided by ages, sex, heights and color, and performance classes include pleasure driving, hunter, jumper, obstacle in hand and harness, fine harness and costume. There are many classes for amateurs and youth. Even the elderly, physically or mentally challenged may raise, show and enjoy these tiniest of the equine world.

(from the AMHR website)