The Miniature Horse, in type, should be a miniature version of a light saddle horse, such as the Arabian, Australian Stock Horse and Thoroughbred. He is refined and elegant without any hint of coarseness or pony traits.
The Miniature Horse stands a maximum 34" with most associations at the heights point of wither. The Miniature Horse gelding is the ideal introduction to Miniature Horses and horses in general. He has an even temper and patience, not always present in breeding stallions and mares due to hormonal activity. The gelding can be taken anywhere by anyone. He can compete in led classes and the comprehensive range of performance disciplines available for Miniature Horses. These include trail, long reining, lunge line, hunter, show jumping, 6 bar, fault and out, and harness. The gelding can be the perfect horse for a family. With practice, all members of a family from the youngest to the 'more mature', and even the infirm, can compete with the one gelding. The trained, well-handled gelding can turn his 'hoof' to almost anything.
Miniature Horses come in any colour and coat pattern including the classic solid colours; the dilutes; the double dilutes; the whole range of taffy and dun colours; all the broken coloured pinto patterns; all the spotted patterns; and any other possible colour, pattern or combination a horse may possess. They often have white facial and leg markings. The vast colour and coat pattern range makes the Miniature Horse a fascinating challenge to those interested in specific colour or coat patterns. Breeding a horse with the desired type, conformation and athletic ability without consideration to colour or pattern is a challenge on its own. Eye colour can be brown, hazel, yellow, clear blue, opaque or parti-coloured. Odd coloured eyes are not uncommon.
The Miniature Horse is a true horse with all the requirements and traits of any other horse regardless of size. He is not a dog or a substitute for a dog. He is most happy when kept in a paddock with plenty of space to roam and run, and another Miniature Horse as a companion. Clean cool water, top quality feed, shade from the sun and protection from the extremes of the weather are a must. If he must be stabled or yarded he needs plenty of free exercise every day and access to sunlight. A minimum three hours a day is recommended. Being a horse he must have basic training to develop good manners.
The Miniature Horse is an ideal horse for many equine pursuits: · The challenge of serious competition be it led or performance. · The fun of showing, to one's best, a much loved horse. · The fulfilment of caring for a much loved family pet. · A child's introduction to the responsibility and joys of horse ownership and competition. · The simple pleasure of affection and co-operation received from a well cared for and happy horse. · There truly is a Miniature Horse for all interested in this fascinating breed!!