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The American Miniature Horse |
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The American Miniature Horse |
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The American Miniature Horse is not a true breed as is the Thoroughbred, Arabian, etc. The Mini is a size breed. The main criteria for a Miniature Horse is that it not go over a certain height at maturity.
The American Miniature (AMH) got its start in the United States from the original horses that were used in the Minies in West Virginia in the early 1900s. Several interested parties purchased the horses when the mines were mechanized and started a breeding program to "refine" these little horses who were then quite stocky, resembling tiny draft horses in appearance.
The goal of Miniature Horse breeders today is to breed the smallest horse possible and still maintain the conformation of a large horse. AMHs have been breed down from all breeds of horses. Small Arabs crossed to ponies crossed to smaller get and so on. Of course there is Shetland blood in Miniatures, as well as POA, grade, and just about anything else you can think of, just as there are crossess in other "American" breeds such as the Morgan, Quarter Horse, American Saddlebred, etc. Being a "newer" breed, the Miniature is only now beginning to "look" like a breed, and future years will define it even more.
The accepted Miniature Horse at this time will have either a concave or straight refined head with small perky ears and a large expressive eye. [It has a] medium length well-shaped neck set on a good shoulder. Good width between the front legs and a medium length back with a level topline [are good breed characteristics]. [It has a] medium tail set and slightly more upright pastern angle with medium sized well-shaped hooves. Some things to be aware of in some Minis include slight cow hocks, over straight stifle, toed in or more often toed out, underbite, and a tendency to "tooth bumps" on the under jaw. These are problems that occur naturally, but are appearing less and less in a quality Miniature. The largest registry, called the AMHA, founded in 1978 has set forth a Standard of Perfection for the registered Miniature Horse. (See copy of Standards.)
At Miniature Horse shows, classes are divided by size, and each size appears to have a certain "type" that appears to be greater in number. The 30" and under, however, should not look like a dwarf, or weiner dog. It should be balanced and show a difference such as one might see when comparing a Thoroughbred with a Quarter Horse. The 32" and under Mini is probably the average for the breed. This horse will usually have proportions similar to a Quarter Horse, only more refined with less bone mass. The head will be either short with a dish and small muzzle or more horse-like in proportions. It will have short, perky ears, and long mane and tail. The 32-34" Mini will have proportions similar to any light horse breed of this size and larger. A Miniature Horse over 34" up to 38" may be registered with the AMHR registry, a division of the Shetland Pony Club.
Miniature show horses when shown at halter are shown square, usually with the head and neck stretched. Minis are taken in hand through halter classes, on a lead over jumps and driven to cart single, in pairs and also in multiple hitches.
Miniature Horse breeders are still working to perfect their breed. The smaller Minis are developing longer legs and necks and better conformation. Colors are any and all, including a few that are only "miniature" colors, that is, silver dapple, pintaloosa, and charcoal with white mane and tail. All horse colors are acceptable, as well as combinations of many other genetic color patterns. Usually, the more colorful, the more desirable. Eye color can be any shade including blue.
The best way to define a Mini, I think, is that "MINIs ARE INDEED MIGHTY!"
| General Impression: | A small, sound, well-balanced horse. It should give the impression of strength, agility and alertness. The disposition should be eager and friendly, not skittish. |
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| Size: | The American Miniature Horse must measure not more than 34" at the base of the last hair on the mane for Division A, and not more than 38" for Division B. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given to the smallest, all other factors being equal. Priority in judging shall be in this order: (1) Soundness, (2) Balance, and (3) Size. |
| Head: | In proportion to the body; neither excessively long or short. The eyes should be large, alert, and prominent with no discrimination in color. The ears, open toward the front and carried erect. The teeth should be strong with the upper teeh scissored over the lower. Should show no signs of parrot mouth or undershot. |
| Neck: | Strong and muscular, proportionate to body, and the type of horse represented. |
| Body: | Well-muscled with good bone and substance; well sprung ribs; level top-line, as nearly as possible of equal height in withers and rump, fore and hindquarters well angulated, so that the horse in movement shows a smooth gait. The tail should round off the rump, being set neither excessively high nor low. |
| Legs: | Straight, clean, and sound. |
| Hooves: | Round and compact, trimmed as short as practicable for an unshod horse, and in good condition. |
| Color: | Any color and marking pattern are equally acceptable. |
| Disqualifications: | Height in excess of 34" for Division A and 38" for Division B; Dwarfism; Blindness; Cowhocks, any other unsoundness. Measurement of height shall be the responsibility of the show stewards with any disputes resolved by the show manager who, if in doubt, should request the opinion of the show veterinarian. Injuries which, in the opinion of the show veterinarian, are temporary should not be penalized unless the injury impairs the general appearance and/or the action of the horse. |
For more information on Miniature horses, visit:
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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