Mini Horse Information
Miniature horses have grown in popularity over the last 20 years. They need less space, less food and are less expensive to keep up than their full-size cousins. They have also enjoyed a lot of media attention, which has caused more people to want to know more about them. This article will give you some basic information on miniature horses.
Size
In size, miniature horses--also called "minis"--do not stand over 38 inches tall at the withers. In horse measurements, a "hand" is four inches. So a miniature horse cannot stand more than 9 1/2 hands at the withers. Anything over this is classified as "pony" sized rather than "mini" sized.
Characteristics
The idea behind a miniature horse is that if you were to take a photo of a mini and show it to a person who did not know what it was, that person would be under the impression that they were looking at a regular horse, not a miniature. This is where the breed differs widely from ponies, which are often stockier, have shorter legs and longer torsos than standard-sized horses.
Function
Miniature horses cannot be ridden. There are some breeders who suggest that these horses are perfect for children, but the reality is that they are not of the size and build to carry people. They can be trained to pull carts, to jump obstacles and even to perform as helpers for handicapped people--much like seeing-eye dogs. But their use as saddle animals is not valid. Movies and other entertainment companies use them as attractions for children, and they serve as great family companions and pets.
Misconceptions
Because they are mostly sold as companions and entertainment animals, there is a common misconception that they can be treated like household pets such as dogs or cats. It is imperative to remember that despite their size, these are horses, and they do best living outside. They retain all the instincts and behaviors of their bigger cousins and can rear, kick, run away, bite and do other undesirable behaviors when provoked or when not corrected. You must never forget you are dealing with a small horse, not a dog.
Warning
Many people will pair a small child with a mini, thinking that the child will be safer and that the small size of the mini guarantees a gentle disposition. Nothing could be further from the truth. Minis have every bit as much temper as a full-sized horse, and just as there are all kinds of horses, there are all kinds of miniature horses. Never assume your child is safe on or around a mini simply because it is small. They can hurt or kill your child whether on purpose or by accident, so always be watching.
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