About the Miniature Horse Breed Part 1 | ||
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PART 1 PART 2 Nutrition PART 3
PART 1 PART 2 Nutrition PART 3
PART 1 PART 2 Nutrition PART 3
PART 1 PART 2 Nutrition PART 3 |
It is very common to find a group of Miniature Horse owners together, either at a show or club meeting, and they will be a fascinating group, for they come from a multitude of backgrounds - white collar, blue collar, professionals from all fields, students, retirees, etc. The cost or value of a Miniature Horse is dictated by many factors, such as age (foal or mature), sex (stallion, mare, gelding), size, conformation, show record, and the extent of its recorded background (bloodline). Care of the Miniature Horse is the same as that of the larger breeds, however, on a much smaller scale with regard to feed, deworming doses, medication and such. Grain is measured by the cup and roughage by a particle flake of hay. The Miniature Horse loves to be outside and several will find an acre or less plenty of room to exercise and graze, while indoor facilities are adequate with a stall size of 6 feet by 8 feet. Their transport is easy, whether it be by way of a station wagon, van, pickup truck with enclosed bed, custom-made "mini" trailer, or even a conventional horse trailer. These animals have also been known to accompany their owners on airplane flights (in the cargo bay) as excess baggage. < Select another topic in left side bar, continue below or go the nav bar below
Miniature Horses are for the Entire Family
A small child may be afraid of a standard size horse, yet the same child will show an eagerness to embrace and hug a miniature foal. Older people, no longer as mobile as they might like to be, who cannot continue to mount a full sized horse, can still enjoy driving a Miniature Horse and showing it in Pleasure Driving, Roadster or Obstacle Classes. The handicapped person can also be very competitive in the show ring or perhaps they just want the feeling of mobility one gets while driving a mini around the neighborhood. Showing a Miniature Horse can be a family affair, as the classes offered are for all ages; youth and adult showmanship, driving, halter and costume classes. There are also the Lucille Ball and Jack Benny classes, which are for those exhibitors over 39 years of age. Caring for these small horses is easy and can be performed safely by one of most any age. Feeding, washing and grooming are tasks easily learned by a six-year-old. The most rewarding aspect of Miniature Horse ownership is the togetherness and sharing that occurs as a result. It can be a learning experience for all and everyone will enjoy that sense of accomplishment. The thrill and satisfaction that comes from winning that first ribbon will make all of the hard work worthwhile. Guiding a young child in the proper care of the Miniature Horse will teach discipline, responsibility, and respect. There will also be an enhancement in a child's self-esteem that comes from the praise received for a job well done. In the show ring, one learns competitiveness and sportsmanship. To win is so exciting, but to lose and congratulate the winner, builds character which carries over into other aspects of life. < Select another topic in left side bar, continue below or go the nav bar below
THE AMERICAN MINIATURE HORSE 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 bone, preference in judging shall be given the smaller horse, other characteristics being approximately equal. SIZE: Must measure not more than 34 inches at the withers, at the last hairs of the mane. HEAD: In proportion to length of 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 homes pointing directly ahead. Pasterns sloping about 45 degrees and blending smoothly, with no change of 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 any eye color, is equally acceptable. Th. hair should be lustrous and silky. SHOW DISQUALIFICATIONS: Monorchidism in Senior Stallion, Any unsoundness or inheritable deformity. If in doubt, the show judge may request the opinion of the show Veterinarian. Non-disfiguring blemishes not associated with unsoundness, or injuries which are temporary, should not be penalized unless they impair the general appearance and/or action of the horse. Adopted at the Annual Meeting of The American Miniature Horse Association on October 14, 1978. < Select next topic ( Part 2 - * History of Miniature Horses ) in left side bar, or go the nav bar below
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Miniature Horses thrive on attention and display a curiosity and intelligence that make them delightful companions, allowing people of all ages to enjoy them. People who find that they can no longer handle the 1,000 pound-plus horse do not have to give up their passion for horses, they may simply switch over to the smaller animal. Those who have never experienced that very special thrill of ownership, yet always wanted to, are finding that the "mini" is a wonderful opportunity. These little horses have already proved their worth in therapeutic programs for the disabled child or adult, as well as with the elderly. People in high-pressure jobs find them to be a wonderful aid in relieving stress.
"The outside of a horse is good for the inside of man." The preceding statement can be applied to any size horse and all people, whether young or old.