Miniature Horse

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Miniature horses are the smallest breed of domestic horse. They have to be shorter than 3 feet at the base of their mane to be considered a miniature.

Miniature horses are horses defined by their small height. They can be found in many nations, particularly in Europe and the Americas, and are the result of centuries of selective breeding. While miniature horses fit a height-based definition to be considered a very small pony, many retain the physical appearance of the full sized horse and are thus considered "horses" by their respective registry. In 1978, The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) was formed. It is the only registry in existence that deals exclusively with true miniatures, 34 inches and under. Ponies over 34 inches are not considered a miniature horse.

Miniature horses are known for their strength. In terms of pulling capacity versus sizes, miniatures horses are stronger than draft horses. They can pull up to 3-4 times their weight. However, miniature horses cannot support much weight on their back for a rider. Originally, miniature horses were bred for mining work in Europe during the 17th century. Over time, their purpose shifted towards being companion animals and show competitors.

Mini Horses Have Mini Foals

When mini horses are born, they're small enough to carry around like a puppy. On average, miniature horse foals weigh 20 pounds and range from 16 to 21 inches in height. Unlike puppies, however, mini horses stand up on their own just a few minutes after birth. After a few hours, they can run around in the pasture all on their own, although they'll return to their mother's side to nurse.

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Helping Humans

Mini horses are trained as service animals and therapy animals. Most people are familiar with dogs being used as therapy animals, but more recently, miniature horses are also being trained for this purpose. Research shows that they can be extremely effective in therapy for helping hospital patients, the elderly, people with disabilities and those recovering from illnesses or injuries.

Miniature horses can also provide valuable assistance to the blind. These animals are small enough to live indoors with people, while also being helpful for guiding visually impaired people outdoors. They do have some advantages over dogs. They have a lifespan of 25 to 35 years, which is considerably longer than dogs. This makes it possible for miniature horses to be long-term companions for the blind. They’re also a good alternative for people who are allergic to dogs or who simply prefer horses.

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