Ever see a real live horse that is only as tall as a yardstick? A real live tiny horse that is perfectly-proportioned? Well, THAT's what a Miniature Horse is!

Miniature Horses are found all over the world and are available in all colors and styles.
 

Miniature Horses in Argentina are called Falabellas. They are a particular bloodline of Miniatures. There are also Falabellas in other countries now. In Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, Miniature Horses are also called Miniature Ponies or Miniature Shetlands. Many of them came from Argentina and the United States.The American Miniature Horse is a blend of many bloodlines and has become one of the most popular horses available. There are thousands of them registered all over the world and people who fall in love with them can never have "just one"!

The Miniature Horse is known as a "height breed." The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) registers Minis that are 34 inches or under. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) registers Mini in two divisions: "A" Division for horses that are 34 inches and under; and "B" Division for horses that are 34 inches up to and including 38 inches.Other organizations register Minis for racing, for performance, and for show.

So...What Do You Do With Them?

In addition to raising Miniatures to sell, many people train their Miniature to show. Miniatures can be trained to drive and jump; they are very smart and can learn an obstacle course very quickly. Many Miniatures have been taught to do wonderful tricks.

But, above all, Miniatures make wonderful pets and companions. They have proven themselves over and over as Ambassadors of Good Will by participating in exhibitions, parades, and fairs, and reaching out their tiny soft noses to invalids, the elderly in homes, and hospitalized children. Their small size and gentle disposition makes them very attractive to people who might be afraid of a full-size horse. And often older folks who can no longer handle full-size horses find that a Miniature is just the ticket so that they can remain involved with horses.

Are Miniature Horses REAL Horses?

YES! They have all the same needs and traits that full-size riding horse has! And that is very important to know, because unlike a dog or cat that is part of the household, horses must have certain care and attention in order to stay healthy and fit. So, if you want to get a Miniature, you must learn a great deal about equine care and health. Many sad tales of "starving Minis" in a field somewhere are a direct result of ignorance. Someone thought they could just throw some hay out every day and that would do it.

Can I Keep One in My Room?

Well, you could invite one into your room for awhile, but your Mini will need a home of his own. Horses are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings, pasture mates, humans and daily routine. Making the transition from his old home to yours will be stressful, but with a little foresight, you can help him acclimatize more easily.

Your first concern should be safe, adequate housing for your Mini. It doesn't have to be fancy, but should be sturdy, well-ventilated (but draft-free), well lighted, and large enough to provide a comfortable stall. A 10' x 10' box stall is ideal for a Mini. Ceilings should be high enough to allow good circulation of air; however, be sure that the ventilation is not so great as to be drafty. Ideal flooring for stalls is clay or dirt. Stalls should be free of nails, wood splinters, sharp edges, or anything else on which your Mini might injure himself. Believe it - if its there, he'll find it!
 

What Else Do I Need to Know?

LOTS! Your Mini needs to be properly fed and have plenty of clean fresh water at all times. He needs to have a safe place to exercise and play, and roll and snooze. He needs to be able to get out of the hot sun in the summer and the cold wind in the winter.

He will need to be groomed daily to keep his coat in good condition and pest-free.

His feet will need care and attention on a regular basis.

Your Mini will need to have vaccinations on a regular basis and he will need to be treated for worms regularly. - ALL HORSES HAVE THEM.

What Do I Need to Do BEFORE I Get a Miniature Horse?

First and foremost, this can't be stressed enough.....If you don't live in a rural area, check with the local zoning board BEFORE you buy a Mini and bring it home. Every town in every state is different. Miniatures have not been around long enough to set any kind of precedent and, most likely, YOU will be the pioneer in your area.

Second, spend enough time researching the kind of Mini you want and know what you want to do with it. Visit with breeders in your area, attend shows, and join the local club to learn all you can about what is available before you buy.

Third, if you decide to buy a mare in foal, give yourself enough time to learn what to expect and to find a good vet and someone to help out, if necessary, when the time comes.

But I Still Have Questions......

Read all you can find about Minis, talk to other owners, visit farms, attend shows, and Ask Your Questions. Most folks are tickled pink to talk about their Minis!