We would like to introduce you to the American Miniature Horse.

This small equine has been bred to meet the needs of a variety of people, who all share a love of horses. Many people are finding that a mini will fit that special place in their life, and in their hearts. Some have other horses and find that minis fit right in with their programs of showing or using all their animals. Others who cannot physically care for the needs of a larger horse find that the mini is just the right size. Young ones can be started on a lifetime of equine activities by learning to work with and care for the miniature horse, many times with programs such as 4-H.

An American Miniature is not just any small horse. There are two major registries maintaining records on these animals. Animals must meet both pedigree and height requirements to receive and retain registered status. The American Miniature Horse Association headquartered in Texas limits registered individuals to those with AMHA pedigrees that have a height of no more than 34 inches when they reach the age of five. The American Miniature Horse Registry in Illinois will register animals with either an AMHA or AMHR background (properly documented), and has two height divisions. At 3 years of age, animals can qualify for Division A status by measuring 34 inches or less. A division B horse will be greater than 34 inches, but must not exceed 38 inches. This height is measured from the root of the last hair of the mane at the withers, vertically to the ground with the horses standing square on a level, flat surface.

The Mini did not occur by accident. They are the result of decades of selective breeding on the part of several individuals, all of whom desired to produce a correctly conformed, well balanced, intelligent and highly trainable horse. Some of the earliest documented animals were produced for work in mines, while others were the pampered pets of aristocrats. Horses of appropriate size and conformation were selected from herds in Holland, Belgium and the UK. In addition, the Argentine Falabella with its documented background of Thoroughbred breeding has contributed significantly to modern breeding programs. It is now possible to find minis that appear to be replicas of many popular large breeds, such as Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Draft horses. Color is important to miniature horse breeding efforts. You can find almost any color or combination in minis. Many herds will be a kaleidoscope of bays, buckskins, sorrels, grays, pure whites, and blacks mixing with the multicolored pinto and appaloosa patterned horses.

You care for your miniature horse just like a big one, just keeping everything in proper proportion to its body weight. Several will find enough pasture in an area suitable for one full-sized horse. They need to be properly dewormed and vaccinated. You will find that your miniature Horse can take part in many activities. Many people show their horses, with classes ranging from halter classes to performance events such as driving and jumping. The members of the Arkansas Miniature Horse Society will be glad to give you more information on Minis and activities that will involve miniature horses.