A little (mini) history
In the 17th century, miniature horses were the pampered pets
of royalty or were commonly seen traveling in circuses where
they were a popular novelty. In Northern Europe, small horses
and pony breeds were used to haul wagons of ore from coal
mines. The first import of miniature horses to the U.S.
occurred in 1888 for use in the Appalachian coal mines, where
they first caught the attention of American breeders.
Some American breeders imported English, Dutch, Belgian
and German miniature horses as breeding stock, while others
selectively bred "miniatures" from larger horse breeds such
as Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Breeders also added
additional lines from the Shetland, Welsh and Hackney
ponies. The famous Falabella breed from Argentina
descended from one stallion carrying a "dwarf" gene.
Therefore, the Miniature Horses of today carry a multitude of
diverse ancestral traits.
Two Falabella horses were given to Robert Kennedy who, in
turn, gave them to Caroline and John Kennedy as Christmas
gifts. These two little miniature horses caught the Nation's
attention as they grazed on the White House lawn. Since that
time, the popularity of the miniature horse has soared.
Horses commonly live to be 25 - 35 years old, and horse ages
translate into human ages almost linearly, but with major
differences in age equivalents as babies where mature at a
rate far faster than humans, reaching pony puberty by age two.
On-average, miniature horses may live one-third longer than
large horses. This size-longevity relationship is the same for
dog breeds. For example, a Rottweiler may live to be 12, while
a Chihuahua may live to be 18 years old
In the 17th century, miniature horses were the pampered pets
of royalty or were commonly seen traveling in circuses where
they were a popular novelty. In Northern Europe, small horses
and pony breeds were used to haul wagons of ore from coal
mines. The first import of miniature horses to the U.S.
occurred in 1888 for use in the Appalachian coal mines, where
they first caught the attention of American breeders.
Some American breeders imported English, Dutch, Belgian
and German miniature horses as breeding stock, while others
selectively bred "miniatures" from larger horse breeds such
as Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Breeders also added
additional lines from the Shetland, Welsh and Hackney
ponies. The famous Falabella breed from Argentina
descended from one stallion carrying a "dwarf" gene.
Therefore, the Miniature Horses of today carry a multitude of
diverse ancestral traits.
Two Falabella horses were given to Robert Kennedy who, in
turn, gave them to Caroline and John Kennedy as Christmas
gifts. These two little miniature horses caught the Nation's
attention as they grazed on the White House lawn. Since that
time, the popularity of the miniature horse has soared.
Horses commonly live to be 25 - 35 years old, and horse ages
translate into human ages almost linearly, but with major
differences in age equivalents as babies where mature at a
rate far faster than humans, reaching pony puberty by age two.
On-average, miniature horses may live one-third longer than
large horses. This size-longevity relationship is the same for
dog breeds. For example, a Rottweiler may live to be 12, while
a Chihuahua may live to be 18 years old
So.....is a miniature horse a pony?
This is an ongoing debate, but to the Miniature Horse purist,
the answer is "NO"
* The term "pony" denotes size. A horse of any breed is
considered a pony if it is under 14.2 hands (58") at the withers.
Exceptions to this rule are the Arabian, American Quarter
Horse and the Morgan which are considered "Horses" ,
regardless of their size, as dictated by their individual
registries.
* The term "pony" also means the exhibition of certain
conformation characteristics such as short, stout legs, thicker
manes and tails and a stockier appearance. Nearly all pony
breeds (Shetland, Connemara, Welsh, Australian, Hackney)
are extremely strong and hardy for their size. Exceptions to this
rule are the Icelandic and Fjord horses which may have pony
size and pony conformation but are considered "Horses" by
their respective registries.
* While a pony is a small horse of most breeds and possess
characteristic conformation , the Miniature Horse is a breed of
its own. They are miniature replicas of standard horses and
retain all the characteristics of a horse. In fact, when one looks
at a picture of a Miniature Horse without any props to show
proportion, the "Mini" looks just like a standard horse.
The American Shetland Pony Club was established in 1888. In
January 1972, the club opened a registry division for miniature
horses known as the American Miniature horse Registry
(AMHR). At that time, the standard qualifying height for a
Miniature Horse was 34 inches at the withers (last hair on the
mane). In 1986, the AMHR added a "B" registry for larger
miniatures 34.1" to 38 ". There are now two classes of
miniature horses: "A" up to 34" and "B" 34.1 to 38". You nay
hear someone refer to a Miniature Horse as an "A" class, or
"B" class which denotes size only. In both of these
classifications the "mini" is considered a "horse" rather than
"pony".
In July, 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association
(AMHA) was organized to maintain a registry and studbook for
miniature horses as well as developing a "Standard of
Perfection". To be registered with the AMHA, the mini must not
exceed 34 inches. Permanent status in the registry is allowed
after the mini has reached 5 years of age and is fully grown.
The AMHA also classifies the Miniature Horse as a "horse"
rather than "pony".
This is an ongoing debate, but to the Miniature Horse purist,
the answer is "NO"
* The term "pony" denotes size. A horse of any breed is
considered a pony if it is under 14.2 hands (58") at the withers.
Exceptions to this rule are the Arabian, American Quarter
Horse and the Morgan which are considered "Horses" ,
regardless of their size, as dictated by their individual
registries.
* The term "pony" also means the exhibition of certain
conformation characteristics such as short, stout legs, thicker
manes and tails and a stockier appearance. Nearly all pony
breeds (Shetland, Connemara, Welsh, Australian, Hackney)
are extremely strong and hardy for their size. Exceptions to this
rule are the Icelandic and Fjord horses which may have pony
size and pony conformation but are considered "Horses" by
their respective registries.
* While a pony is a small horse of most breeds and possess
characteristic conformation , the Miniature Horse is a breed of
its own. They are miniature replicas of standard horses and
retain all the characteristics of a horse. In fact, when one looks
at a picture of a Miniature Horse without any props to show
proportion, the "Mini" looks just like a standard horse.
The American Shetland Pony Club was established in 1888. In
January 1972, the club opened a registry division for miniature
horses known as the American Miniature horse Registry
(AMHR). At that time, the standard qualifying height for a
Miniature Horse was 34 inches at the withers (last hair on the
mane). In 1986, the AMHR added a "B" registry for larger
miniatures 34.1" to 38 ". There are now two classes of
miniature horses: "A" up to 34" and "B" 34.1 to 38". You nay
hear someone refer to a Miniature Horse as an "A" class, or
"B" class which denotes size only. In both of these
classifications the "mini" is considered a "horse" rather than
"pony".
In July, 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association
(AMHA) was organized to maintain a registry and studbook for
miniature horses as well as developing a "Standard of
Perfection". To be registered with the AMHA, the mini must not
exceed 34 inches. Permanent status in the registry is allowed
after the mini has reached 5 years of age and is fully grown.
The AMHA also classifies the Miniature Horse as a "horse"
rather than "pony".
Source: http://www.guidehorse.com/faq_horses.htm
| MINIATURE DONKEYS ARE EQUINE, TOO! |
DWARF MINIATURE HORSES
A few words about dwarf miniature horses
While most would agree that dwarf minis are adorable, they can come with a host
of physical and medical problems ranging from minor hoof deformities to
life-threatening congenital organ problems.. Anyone considering adopting or
purchasing a dwarf must become an expert on the problems inherent in these
little equine.
Their care can be challenging, rewarding, and heartbreaking.
The little mini pictured to the left is a Brachiocephalic Dwarf Horse Though you
can't tell from the photo, he has had many problems with his hooves and legs
which are mishapen. He has been fitted with special braces for his legs (which
he could not tolerate) and special footwear. He is a permanent resident at a local
rescue where he is much loved and well cared for.
You can find a lot of information about dwarf miniature horses on the internet.
One of the best websites we've seen has a lot of information about these little
horses. http://www.mini-horse.org/
A few words about dwarf miniature horses
While most would agree that dwarf minis are adorable, they can come with a host
of physical and medical problems ranging from minor hoof deformities to
life-threatening congenital organ problems.. Anyone considering adopting or
purchasing a dwarf must become an expert on the problems inherent in these
little equine.
Their care can be challenging, rewarding, and heartbreaking.
The little mini pictured to the left is a Brachiocephalic Dwarf Horse Though you
can't tell from the photo, he has had many problems with his hooves and legs
which are mishapen. He has been fitted with special braces for his legs (which
he could not tolerate) and special footwear. He is a permanent resident at a local
rescue where he is much loved and well cared for.
You can find a lot of information about dwarf miniature horses on the internet.
One of the best websites we've seen has a lot of information about these little
horses. http://www.mini-horse.org/
WHAT is a miniature horse?
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| Some of our favorite websites |
SOME RADICAL NEW THINKING ON WORMING STRATEGIES FOR HORSES
Makers of ZIMECTERIN® GOLD
Parasite resistance to common anthelminic drugs (wormers) is increasing worldwide with no new anti-parasitic drugs expected
on the equine market. Of all the classes of wormers, only Ivermectin has maintained efficacy. However, there is evidence of a
shortened egg reappearance in this class of drug. The current practice of rotating wormers on a herd basis is no longer the
preferred method of parasite control. Since 20% of a herd sheds 80% of the parasites, it is important to identify (through fecal
egg counts done by your vet) the "high shedders" in your herd and treat accordingly.
Pasture management is also important. This means being able to rotate pastures to allow time for the current parasite
population to diminish or picking up the manure and composting it.
The term "refugia" means allowing horses to retain some viable, non-resistant parasites to dilute the gene pool of the resistant
parasites. If we are successful in eliminating all the non-resistant parasites, the only remaining are the resistant parasites
leaving no treatment available.
Makers of ZIMECTERIN® GOLD
Parasite resistance to common anthelminic drugs (wormers) is increasing worldwide with no new anti-parasitic drugs expected
on the equine market. Of all the classes of wormers, only Ivermectin has maintained efficacy. However, there is evidence of a
shortened egg reappearance in this class of drug. The current practice of rotating wormers on a herd basis is no longer the
preferred method of parasite control. Since 20% of a herd sheds 80% of the parasites, it is important to identify (through fecal
egg counts done by your vet) the "high shedders" in your herd and treat accordingly.
Pasture management is also important. This means being able to rotate pastures to allow time for the current parasite
population to diminish or picking up the manure and composting it.
The term "refugia" means allowing horses to retain some viable, non-resistant parasites to dilute the gene pool of the resistant
parasites. If we are successful in eliminating all the non-resistant parasites, the only remaining are the resistant parasites
leaving no treatment available.
MINIATURE DONKEYS
Miniature donkeys can make wonderful pets and can thrive on small acreage.
They are good natured, intelligent and kind. They can also be LOUD which may
be a consideration if you have neighbors nearby.
Using donkeys to guard sheep or goats
Although we often hear that donkeys make good guardians of small livestock,
miniature donkeys should be excluded from this statement. A predator (dogs,
coyotes, etc.) that can harm a horse or miniature horse can also harm a miniature
donkey.
Guard donkeys should be selected from medium-to-large size stock. Do not use
extremely small or miniature donkeys. Source: http://www.agr.state.tx.us/x
Here's a great website about miniature donkeys:
http://www.bestfriendsfarm.com/
Miniature donkeys can make wonderful pets and can thrive on small acreage.
They are good natured, intelligent and kind. They can also be LOUD which may
be a consideration if you have neighbors nearby.
Using donkeys to guard sheep or goats
Although we often hear that donkeys make good guardians of small livestock,
miniature donkeys should be excluded from this statement. A predator (dogs,
coyotes, etc.) that can harm a horse or miniature horse can also harm a miniature
donkey.
Guard donkeys should be selected from medium-to-large size stock. Do not use
extremely small or miniature donkeys. Source: http://www.agr.state.tx.us/x
Here's a great website about miniature donkeys:
http://www.bestfriendsfarm.com/
