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Welcome to the World of the American
Miniature Horse
Written by: AMHA Organization
Courtesy of AMHA.org
Irresistible.
Versatile. Showable
These great little horses,
prized by owners everywhere, come in a rainbow of coat colors and
patterns and are enjoyed throughout the world as investments, show
partners and willing companions.
The American Miniature is big news in
the horse industry. As retiring baby boomers shift their focus to
personal dreams, public interest and involvement with Miniature Horses
continues to grow.
These unique horses are owned by people
of all ages, all over the world, and especially by those who have the
time and ability to invest in, share and enjoy them.
Many are owned as companions by families
with small children or by retired adults with a passion to enjoy life,
while others own Miniature Horses as investments. All of these owners
have one things in common - a love for this amazing equine.
While all horse lovers love babies,
there is nothing quite like a Miniature foal standing only 16 to 21
inches at birth!
Today's
American Miniature Horse
Refined, well-proportioned and a
joy to watch, today's American Miniature Horse is wonderfully adept at
showing. American Miniatures compete in halter classes in which they are
judged on conformation and in a variety of performance classes including
pleasure and roadster driving, jumping, obstacle, showmanship, liberty,
and costume. The ultimate goal for many owners and breeders is to
quality for the annual AMHA World Championship Show.
American Miniature Horses are owned for
as many reasons as there are people. Horse lovers perhaps not as mobile
as they used to be and preferring not to manage a large horse enjoy the
benefits of a Miniature Horse whether in competition, recreation or as
investment. Special needs individuals, too, find the American Miniature
an excellent companion. Miniature Horses have long and successfully
participated in therapeutic settings.
Children intimidated by large horses
often eagerly embrace a Miniature Horse, especially a gentle gelding or
tiny foal. Adults too reap rewards; it is not uncommon to see families
from grandparent to grandchild caring for a showing their American
Miniature Horses.
The Breed
Association
The story of the American
Miniature Horse, nearly 400 years in the making, is steeped in both
adventure and the love of little horses. in 1978, a group of dedicated
horsemen created the American Miniature Horse Association to promote the
breeding, use and perpetuation of the American Miniature Horse breed,
separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. Today AMHA holds
fast to its mission to set the standard of equine excellence in
Miniature, to build upon its foundations and grow. Miniature Horses
registered with AMHA must meet the Association standards of perfection
and cannot exceed 34 inches in height when measured from the last hairs
of the mane.
The Industry
As more people discover the American Miniature Horse, popularity and
value of the breed grows. Typically, American Miniature foals of good
quality and bloodlines command good prices. Add the fact that the
expense of daily care is minimal the estimated return on investment is
high.
Standard of
Perfection
This unique breed - an elegant
scaled-down version of the large-size horse - cannot be taller than 34
inches at the withers as measured from the last hairs of the mane.
Ideally, the American Miniature Horse is a diminutive reflection of a
standard-sized horse, possessing the characteristics desired in most
breeds: refinement and femininity in the mare, and boldness and
masculinity in the stallion, and a general impression of symmetry,
strength, agility and altertness. As prescribed by the American
Miniature Horse Association, the breed objective is the smallest
possible perfect horse. |
