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.

For More Information, Contact:

American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA)
5601 South Interstate 35W
Alvarado, Texas 76009

Telephone: (817) 783-5600
Web Site: http://www.minihorses.com/amha/

Information supplied by the American Miniature Horse Association