Page 88 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

HISTORY The American

miniature horses
appear in any
coat colour and
ABOUT pounds (300kg). can have various
The most characteristic feature of Miniature Despite their small patterns.
horses is their size which is indicated already size, their body and
by the breed’s name. The Miniature Horse is a all other physical
features resemble a
minimalistic version of a regular-sized horse. regular-sized horse. They
Miniature horse characteristics are in every weigh so little because they are
aspect similar to those of a tall horse breed, a miniature version of a tall-sized horse which is
except for their height. Even the Miniature horse the reason for their light weight. The weight of
head resembles that of a tall horse and without the Miniature Horse is so moderate, that they are
a size comparison next to them, they could be even allowed as assistance animals on flights
mistaken for regular horses. or in shops. Due to their small size and light
weight, they cannot carry a child or a person and
The Miniature horse breed has several different therefore not be ridden.
breeding associations worldwide with different
breeding standards regulating their size. The The American miniature horses appear in any
most popular breeding association, the AMHA, coat colour and can have various patterns.
says that Miniature horse height must not Furthermore, white markings and eye colour
exceed 34 inches measuring from the last hair are equally acceptable according to the
of the base of the horse’s mane. The Mini horse American Miniature Horse Association. Many
size is the most valuable factor for this breed other breeding associations of tall-sized horses
and is the main criterion to register a horse do not accept markings, but seeing that the
with the breeding society. Another important size is the most important characteristic of
breeding standard regarding their size is that this horse breed, there are no limitations in
the Miniature horse should have the physical regard to colours. Miniature horse colours are
appearance and features like a regular-sized therefore very colourful and one has a variety
horse and not those of a pony. to choose from. The beautiful Miniature horse
most often appears in bay, grey, black, gruello,
An average Miniature horse weighs around 200 and chestnut. Those colours are amongst the
pounds (90kg). The Miniature horse weight is most popular colours for many horse breeds.
considerably lower than that of regular-sized Rare Miniature horse colours are champagne,
horses which are weighing approximately 660 cremello, and silver dapple.

88 | Miniature Horse Magazine • Issue 1/2023