Colorful myths abound about the origin of the Miniature horse. Contemporary historians tend to support the breed as a derivative of many sources. In pre-historic times, small horse breeds were likely the products of surviving harsh natural climates and limited feed. Too, with knowledge of genetics, it is possible to breed specifically for size. It is known that, at various times in equine history, Miniature horses have been bred for pets, novelty, research, monetary gain, mining work, exhibition, and royal gifts. In addition to the pre-historic evidence of small equids, it is speculated that the Miniature horse is a result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding of many extracts.
The first mention of a small horse being imported to the United States was in 1888; and it appears, there was little public awareness of true Miniatures during the year preceding 1960. It is believed that the American Miniature horse utilized the blood of the English and Dutch mine horses brought to this country in the 19th century and used in some Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. The American Miniature horse, as documented in the pedigrees of some Miniatures today, also drew upon the blood of the Shetland pony.
In 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association, Inc., was organized to aid and encourage the breeding use and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse, separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. According to the AMHA's Rules and Regulations and Bylaws, an animal exceeding 34 inches in height is not eligible for registration with the Association. To date, AMHA has registered over 114,000 Miniature horses.
************* ~~~ *************************~~~~~**********
1) Basic horse knowledge. Miniature horses are horses with the same reactions and motivations as large size horses. While Miniatures tend to be affectionate and easy to handle, as with all equines, temperaments and abilities vary by the individual. Before purchasing, it is important for a newcomer to consider his/her level of experience and abilities with horses and what he/she plans to do as a Miniature owner. For someone new to horses or limited physically, it may be wise to shop for a mature, well-trained Mini.
2) Research. Learn about the breed. Visit reputable breeders. Request information from the American Miniature Horse Association. Visit the AMHA and Miniature Farms' websites. Read the Miniature Horse World Magazine. Locate and attend Miniature Horse shows.
3) Maintaining a Miniature Horse is about 1/10th the cost of maintaining a large size horse. One acre can support as many as three Miniature horses. Mini's tend to thrive on pasture, sunshine and room to run and play. They are also prone to overeating, so it's important to monitor their nutritional needs and avoid excessive food intake.
4) Miniature horses should never be ridden by any but the smallest children; however, they are adept at learning, to drive. A variety of driving classes are important and popular elements in all AMHA- approved shows.
5) Once someone has held a 17"-21" Miniature foal, that person will never be the same. Miniature babies tend to be affectionate, curious and too cute to resist!
************* ~~~ *************************~~~~~**********
People Who Own Miniature HorsesThere are many reasons to own a Miniature horse. Some are purchased as investments; some as pets by families with small children; some as hobbies for retired adults; and some as a way to share activity with children and grandchildren; and some strictly as loving companions. While Miniature horses are owned and loved by people of all ages, a recent survey conducted by the American Miniature Horse Association shows the average member to be educated, up-scale, 40-50 years old, and two-thirds more likely to be female. Each AMHA member/household owns an average of 16 horses; and on average, each member/household has close to 5 foals per year. Over half the members actively show their Miniature horses.
Many Miniature horse owners are first-time horse owners; and it's not unusual for the first-time owner to have come from a history of breeding and showing dogs. It seems especially difficult for Miniature horse enthusiasts to own "just one" Mini; and in the Miniature horse "culture" there is a prevailing enthusiasm for Miniature births and the opportunity to hold a new-born foal
Statistics
AMHA 1999 registrations: 7,929
Total registrations over lifetime of AMHA: 114,422
AMHA 1999 memberships: 9,568
************* ~~~ *************************~~~~~**********
The greatest challenge currently facing the Miniature horse is "awareness". The Miniature horse has an appeal that is different from larger breeds; humans are more able to interact with them on an individual basis. Imagine being able to hold a horse in your lap or transport it inside of your vehicle. The Mini's small stature enables anyone interested in an equine experience to do so without the fear factor or the extensive operating costs attached to larger breeds.
This past year marked the registration of AMHA's 100,000th foal. The growth of the Miniature horse industry is due to the special appeal of the Miniature as, truly, "the horse for everyone". They can be handled by young and old alike. At Miniature horse shows, you may see children as Young as two Years of age showing in the ring and senior citizens driving in the cart classes at over eighty years of age! The gentle nature of the Mini allows us to offer classes for mentally and physically impaired people. And, several rehabilitation camps have begun using Miniatures in their programs.
Each year, AMHA announces the National Futurity Top Ten Sires as determined by the total monies won by their foals. .
Return to Table of Contents- Tools To Market Your Miniature Horse
Contact information:
American Miniature Horse Association
5601 S Interstate 35 W, Alvarado, TX 76009
(817) 783-5600 fax: (817) 783-6403
Duane McPherson - Executive Director - ExecDirector@amha.org
Carolyn Wills - Marketing Director - CommDirector@amha.org
Website: www.amha.com
Official AMHA publication: Miniature Horse World
5601 S. Interstate 35 W, Alvarado, TX 76009 Carolyn Wills - Editor - miniaturehorseworld@amha.org