Miniature Horse

The Miniature Horse is a type of horse known for its small size. It is usually bred to show the look of a full-sized horse in miniature, standing little over 100 cm (40 in) tall, or even less. Although they look like small horses, they are genetically much closer to pony breeds such as the Shetland.

Miniature Horses come in various colours and coat patterns. They are found in several countries, including Ireland and the United Kingdom.

They are commonly kept as companion animals, or for driving and other competitive horse show events. A few have been trained as guide horses for blind people.

Miniature Horses originated in Europe, where they are documented in writing and in pictures from the late eighteenth century. In the first half of the twentieth century, small horses were bred in England by Lady Estella Mary Hope and her sister Lady Dorothea.

In some countries, Miniature Horses have the status of a breed. The Falabella was created in Argentina in the mid-1800s by Patrick Newtall. His son-in-law Juan Falabella later added Welsh Pony, Shetland pony and small Thoroughbred bloodlines, and used considerable inbreeding to fix the small size.

The South African Miniature Horse began around 1945, when Wynand de Wet started selectively breeding Shetland stock. Other breeds include the Dutch Miniature and the American Miniature Horse.

Miniature Horses are commonly kept as companion animals.

They are often too small for any but the smallest riders, but they are suitable for driving. Some take part in horse show events.

A small number have been trained as guide horses for blind people, particularly those who consider dogs unclean, as is common in Muslim cultures.

Miniature Horses are generally quite hardy. The usual life span is 25 to 35 years, often longer than is typical for full-sized horses of some breeds.

They are only rarely affected by laryngeal hemiplegia, osteochondrosis or navicular disease, which are common in larger horses. They are much more likely to develop hyperlipaemia, which may lead to hepatic lipidosis, or eclampsia.

Dental misalignment and overcrowding are more common than in larger horses. Parrot mouth and sow mouth are often seen, retained caps can occur, and sinus infections linked to tooth eruption are possible. Poor chewing can add to colic caused by enteroliths, faecoliths or sand.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a Miniature Horse?

It is a horse type bred to be very small, usually little over 100 cm (40 in) tall. It looks like a small full-sized horse but is genetically closer to pony breeds.

How long do Miniature Horses live?

The usual life span is 25 to 35 years. That is often longer than for full-sized horses of some breeds.

Can you ride a Miniature Horse?

They are often too small for anyone but the smallest riders. They are, however, suitable for driving.

Are Miniature Horses ponies?

They look like small horses, but genetically they are much more similar to pony breeds such as the Shetland.

What health problems are common in Miniature Horses?

Dental problems such as parrot mouth are more common than in larger horses, and they are much more likely to develop hyperlipaemia and eclampsia. Colic linked to poor chewing also occurs more often.

A few Miniature Horses have been trained as guide horses for blind people.

The Falabella breed was built partly on Welsh Pony, Shetland pony and small Thoroughbred bloodlines.

In 2011 there were about 700 South African Miniature Horses in South Africa, and some look Arab while others have a draught horse build.