The American Miniature Horse is one horse breed favored by many of all ages. This horse is about as big as a large dog, making it the perfect choice for those with limited space for housing a horse. Friendly and gentle, this breed is very versatile in its own right. From driving to jumping, they can do it all. The American Miniature Horse is also known to be a great companion animal due to its sweet nature.
History and Origins
The American Miniature horse first originated in Europe in the 1600s, where they bred for European nobility. They are first known to be imported to the United States in 1888, although there was little awareness of the breed until 1960. They also were not officially classified as Miniature Horses until the formation of the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHR) in 1971, when it was decided that there should be a differentiation established between Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses. These horses have been bred for everything from simply being pets, to being used for research, mining work, and monetary gain, as well as being given as royal gifts. As far as their pedigree documentation is concerned, their bloodlines can be traced back to that of the Shetland pony. It is also popularly believed that they were bred from the Dutch and English mine horses that were brought to the U.S. in the 1800s and were used in coal mines in the Appalachian mountains.
American Miniature Horse Breed Statistics
Height and Weight
American Miniature horses do not stand taller than 34” at the withers. If they ever get to be taller than 34″, 84.4 centimeters, then they can no longer be classified as an American Miniature horse. When fully grown, they reach a weight of around 150 to 350 pounds.
Color and Markings
The American Miniature horse can be commonly found with black, bay, palomino, and white-colored coats, but can be of any color and marking pattern imaginable. Some have colors that are unique only to this breed, and they have particularly lush manes and tails compared to most horses.
Conformation
Miniature horses quite literally look like shrunken-down full-sized horses, making them comparable in size to some larger dog breeds. They cannot be ridden because of their small size, hence why they are most often used for pulling carts or for show.
Unique Characteristics of the American Miniature Horse
Obviously the Miniature horse’s trademark is its small size, but there is more to them than that. They are very sociable and sweet creatures that love humans and being outdoors. They are also easy to care for and can be trained in multiple disciplines.
American Miniature Horse Temperament
American Miniature horses make ideal companions for any age or experience level, as they are generally very eager to please, friendly and social, docile, gentle, curious, and playful. Their marked intelligence makes them easily trainable. No matter how sweet they may be, however, there is always the possibility of a Miniature horse displaying one or multiple quirks of their larger counterparts, including defiance, stubbornness, and nipping. Regardless, they are still considered to be some of the most sociable and gentle horses you can find.
Grooming the American Miniature Horse
Just like their larger counterparts, daily grooming for the American Miniature horse is essential for their health. You will need a farrier who specializes in working on miniature horses’ hooves to have their feet properly maintained. Beyond that, there is nothing particularly special or different about grooming practices for an American Miniature horse that’s different than other breeds.
Nutrition for the American Miniature Horse
Miniature horses eat the same thing other horses do, they just need less of it. Keeping them on a diet of hay, forage, grass, and occasionally other grains and rolled oats will keep them happy and healthy. The important thing to keep in mind is that it is easy to overfeed these small horses; therefore, for a 200-pound horse, a daily amount of only about 2-4 pounds of forage is needed. In fact, the majority of their food is simply found in allowing them to graze.
Common Health Issues for the American Miniature Horse
American Miniature horses have some unique health issues due to their small size. Easy to overfeed, they can become obese if not properly watched and fed for their levels of exercise and weight. Another health concern that can occur comes in the form of dwarfism mutations, which can cause multiple complications in the Miniature horse. Unfortunately, miniature horses also tend to often have dental issues due to tooth overcrowding, along with having difficulty giving birth. Two other health concerns in relation to this breed are hyperlipidemia – which is basically when a Miniature horse becomes overweight but the body tricks itself into believing that it is starving, leading to excessive quantities of lipid to be released into the bloodstream from blood cells, which in turn causes the horse to not be hungry and stop eating – and colic.
American Miniature Horse Common Uses and Talents
The American Miniature horse breed can be used in many areas besides just being a companion horse. Being very versatile, they excel in disciplines such as driving, halter, jumping, and obstacles, among others.
Facts About the American Miniature Horse
The American Miniature horse may be the most common small breed you will find, but they are not the first! The Falabella breed, which has a purer bloodline than the Miniature horse due to breeders’ diligence, first originated in Argentina before the American Miniature horse and can now be found worldwide. The American Miniature horse may be the smallest horse to exist, but they also tend to live long lives, often surviving over 30 years. Perhaps the most endearing trait about this breed is the fact that they are used for therapy for wheelchair-bound people and kids; and for those who are blind but may be allergic to dogs or want a pet that lives longer, Miniature horses can be used to serve as visual guides.
Famous American Miniature Horses
It is not hard to believe that these adorable and friendly horses are famous in the media. A Miniature horse named Gideon played Li’l Sebastian on the popular TV show, “Parks and Recreation.” In 2011, a black American Miniature horse named Midnite became famous for being fitted with a prosthetic leg after being neglected to the point that he was missing part of his left rear leg. Perhaps the most famous American Miniature horse known to this day, however, is the smallest-recorded dwarf miniature horse. Thumbelina was born in 2001 and would go on to live 17 years at a mere 17 inches tall.
Is the American Miniature Horse Right for You?
An American Miniature horse is perfect for those who are or plan to have children, the elderly, those with limited space, or anyone who may need or want one for therapeutic purposes. They are a perfect alternative if you are a horse lover but do not have the space for a full-sized horse, and also have cheaper upkeep than other horses. The only thing that should be kept in mind is they are strong, so some training will be helpful.
How to Adopt or Buy an American Miniature Horse
The cost to purchase an American Miniature horse can vary greatly depending on the conformation, size, breed, and the show record of the parents of the horse. They are extremely popular and easy to find, so finding one via a breeder or horse rescuer should be easy and straightforward. Just make sure to ask a lot of questions when looking to adopt or buy one to make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller.
American Miniature Horse Horse FAQs
How much does an American Miniature Horse cost?
The average American Miniature ranges in the price range from $1,000 to $200,000 depending on the quality, conformation, size, and show record of the parents. Most, however, can be found for $1,000 or less.
How big do American Miniature Horses get?
The American MIniature horse is typically 34″ tall. Anything much taller than that is likely going to be considered a pony.
Where do American Miniature Horses come from?
This breed originated in Europe and has a strong Shetland Pony bloodline.
Are American Miniature Horses good for beginner riders?
While the American Miniature horse is great for all ages for companionship, they are too small to be riding horses.
How rare is an American Miniature Horse?
This breed is not rare at all! You can find miniature horses almost anywhere.
Do American Miniature Horses make good pets?
Yes! Due to their small size, they can make great pets for those who have limited space, families, may need therapeutic help, or are older in age.
Conclusion
Commonly referred to as “minis,” these small-sized horses are a great companion for those on small acreages. These horses in their small size are quite popular due to their friendly temperaments. Whether you are looking for a companion animal or a small horse to compete with, the American Miniature horse will not disappoint you. Their sweet disposition and easy upkeep make them an ideal pet that will stay with you for a long time.
