The History of the American Miniature Horse
The American Miniature Horse is a unique breed, the limiting characteristic of which is size. It must not measure in excess of 34 inches in height, which is measured at the withers, at the last hairs of the mane. It must be a sound, well-balanced horse, possessing the proper conformation characteristics which are common to most of the larger breeds. In fact, if there were no size reference, the miniature horse might give the illusion of being a full-sized horse. The American Miniature Horse gives the impression of strength, agility, and alert intelligence and is available in all possible colors.The American Miniature Horse extracted from many sources in the creation of the breed. Undeniably, it utilized the blood of the English and Dutch mine horses, that were brought to this country in the 19th century and were used in some Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. It also drew upon the blood of the Shetland pony, several of which appear in the pedigrees of some miniatures today. In the past decade, several breeders have imported miniature horses from England, Holland, Belgium, and West Germany, while others have selectively bred miniatures from the larger breeds of horses.
In 1978, The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) was formed. It is now the only registry in existence that deals exclusively with true Miniatures, 34 inches and under. .
The American Miniature Horse as a breed is currently being standardized. The American Miniature Horse Association was organized and incorporated in July of 1978 to maintain a registry and stud-book. A Standard of Perfection was adopted in 1978 and that two basic body types, a "draft" type and a fine-boned "refined" type, were present in the existing foundation stock, the Standard called for a blending of types into an elegant little horse
Standard of Perfection
General Impression: A small, sound, well-balanced horse possessing the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds. Refinement and femininity in the mare; boldness and masculinity in the stallion. The general impression should be one of symmetry, strength, agility, and alertness. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given to the smaller horse, other characteristics being approximately equal.
Size: A mature horse must not measure more than 34 inches at the withers, at the last hairs of the mane.
Head: In proportion to the length of the neck and body. Broad forehead with large prominent eyes, set wide apart. Comparatively short distance between eyes and muzzle. Profile straight or slightly concave below the eyes. Large nostrils. Clean, refined muzzle. Even bite.
Ears: Medium in size. Pointed. Carried alertly, with tips curving slightly inward
Throat Latch: Clean and well defined, allowing ample flexion at the poll.
Neck: Flexible, lengthy, in proportion to body and type and blending smoothly into the withers.
Shoulder: Long, sloping and well-angulated, allowing a free-swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage. Well-muscled forearm.
Body: Well-muscled with ample bone and substance. Balanced and well-proportioned. Short back and loins in relation to length of underline, smooth and generally level top-line. Deep girth and flank. Trim barrel.
Hindquarters: Long, well-muscled hip, thigh, and gaskin. Highest point of croup to be same height as withers. Tail set neither excessively high nor low, but smoothly rounding off rump.
Legs: Set straight and parallel when viewed from front or back. Straight, true and squarely set, when viewed from the side with hooves pointing directly ahead. Pasterns sloping about 45 degrees and blending smoothly with no change in angle from the hooves to the ground. Hooves to be round and compact, trimmed as short as practicable for an unshod horse. Smooth, fluid gait in motion.
Color: Any color or marking pattern and eye color is equally acceptable. The hair should be lustrous and silky.
Choosing the Right Miniature
After discovering the wonderful qualities American Miniature Horses possess and realizing how easy and inexpensive it is to care for them, it may be time to find one of your very own.
The first thing to consider is what you plan to do with your Miniature Horse. While everyone loves to watch a flashy, spirited Miniature it may not be the right horse for you if your interest is in pleasure driving or you are a beginner at showmanship. Take the time to look for that special American Miniature Horse that is just right for everything you want to do. An important consideration is your level of experience and ability with horses. Be realistic. If you have limited background or limited physical abilities, your best bet is a mature, well-trained Miniature Horse that will help you to gain confidence and ability.
Once you have the criteria for your choice of an American Miniature Horse, you're ready to begin the selection process. There are a number of ways to locate Miniature Horse breeders with horses for sale. The Miniature Horse World, the official magazine of the American Miniature Horse Association, and The Journal, the offical magazine of the American Miniature Horse Registry, are each filled with colorful advertisements featuring horses for sale. The Association have informative website, http://www.amha.com , which contain a wealth of information and photos as well as a list of sponsor farms, clubs, and businesses. When requested, AMHA will also provide you with a directory of breeders and local clubs.
It is a good idea to make an appointment to visit the farm or breeder when you have located a Miniature Horse you want to see. This makes it easier for the owner or trainer to devote his or her full time and attention to your visit. Feel free to ask questions. Ask about the horse's height, health history, level of training, previous use, and why the owner is selling the horse. Before you purchase an American Miniature Horse, you will want to observe several things. Read the 'Breed Standard of Perfection'. Look for a horse that is balanced and correct. If you are unsure what those terms mean, seek help from a person with equine knowledge.Check carefully for signs of general good health and vitality: a shiny coat, bright eyes, and alert attitude are some of the things you will want to see. How does the horse act toward people? Is he friendly? Be sure to measure the horse, keeping in mind that the American Miniature Horse Association will not allow an immature horse (two years and younger) to show if it does not meet the following height guidelines: weanlings cannot exceed 30 inches; yearlings cannot exceed 32 inches; two-year-olds cannot exceed 33 inches. It's also a good idea to have a veterinarian conduct a pre-purchase examination to determine the horse's overall good health and soundness.
An American Miniature Horse (with both parents AMHA or AMHR registered and meeting all other requirements) is eligible for registration on a temporary basis with AMHA or AMHR immediately after birth until the age of five years. Miniatures are not eligible to receive permanent papers until they are five years of age and do not exceed 34 inches in height when measured in accordance with Association guidelines. Finally, make sure all paperwork is in order. You should receive a signed Transfer Form and/ or Bill of Sale provided by AMHA or AMHR and the original Registration Certificate. Check to make sure you are purchasing the animal from the last recorded owner on the Registration Certificate.You now own an American Miniature Horse - a friend to enjoy for years to come!