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The Miniature Horse - "The Horse For Everyone”
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Tiny Tim |
One cannot help but fall in love with a miniature horse which is why it
is quickly becoming one of the most popular breeds in the world today.
Standing at approximately 34” at the withers these elegant and gentle
equines can truly be a “Horse for Everyone”.
The Miniature Horse can be enjoyed by every member of
the family. Children are often afraid of standard size
horses, but are thrilled to easily embrace a miniature.
Foals at 16” to 21” tall at birth are especially
treasured. Older adults or those with special needs find
Miniatures are easy to handle and care for giving them
the opportunity to compete or just to enjoy. Miniature
Horses can be shown in a variety of classes from halter
and obstacle to jumping and driving.
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The Falabella |
Winter
Dreamcatcher
Courtesy
of Lost Spoke Ranch |
The Falbella is considered to be the original
miniature horse. In 1845 small horses were discovered by
Patrick Newtall belonging to the tribes of the Pampas
Indians of Argentina. He was able to obtain a few and by
1853 had a small herd of his own. In 1879 he gave his
knowledge and his herd to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella
who continued to experiment by using other breeds such
as small thoroughbreds, Shetland Ponies and the
Argentinean Criollo to develop the Falabella horse.
Since then the Falabella family has continued to breed
with the most careful selection techniques possible in
order to obtain horses of small size and distinguishable
intelligence.
In 1990 the Falabella Horse Breeders Association was
founded and maintains the genealogical records of the
breed. Today the Falabella Ranch in Argentina is owned
by Maria L. de Falabella and is home to approximately
500 Falabella horses. |
Lucky Lil
Ginger
Courtesy
of Strong Horses |
In 1996 the DNA laboratory of Van Haerington in
Wageningen, the Netherlands, developed, by order of the
Falabella Foundation, a DNA profile test for Falabellas.
This test showed that there are distinct DNA “markers”
for Falabellas which other horses do not have. This DNA
profile is used to preserve the purity of the Falabella
and anyone wishing to own a pure Falabella is urged to
have DNA testing done to ensure the authenticity. All
Falabellas are Miniature Horses, but not all Miniature
Horses are Falabellas. |
Simply
Dazzling
Courtesy
of Jones'
Mini-Whinnies |
Simply
4U2NV
Courtesy
of Jones'
Mini-Whinnies |
Golden
Chianti
Courtesy of Strong
Horses |
Falabellas have an average height of 32”, although
they can be taller. Unlike other miniature horse breeds,
there is no height limit for the Falabella. They come in
a wide range of colours and are still considered quite
rare. They are extremely hardy and can adapt to extreme
environments often better than their taller relatives.
Falabellas have several unique features. They all
posses a dominant gene for “smallness” which means, even
if bred with taller horses the offspring will always be
miniature. The Falabella gestation period (pregnancy) is
longer than other horses, lasting from 12 to 13 months
as opposed to the normal 11 months. Lastly, they have 2
less ribs and 2 less vertebrae than other horses.
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The American Miniature Horse
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Liberymere's Legacy's Pepper
Courtesy of Lost
Spoke Ranch |
The American Miniature Horse is another scaled-down
version of the standard size horse. They come in a
rainbow of colours and patterns and can be of several
body types such as draft type or of Arabian type. 400
years of selective breeding has created a miniature
horse that is refined and well proportioned as well as a
delight to behold.
The American Miniature Horse is another scaled-down
version of the standard size horse. They come in a
rainbow of colours and patterns and can be of several
body types such as draft type or of Arabian type. 400
years of selective breeding has created a miniature
horse that is refined and well proportioned as well as a
delight to behold. |
Reece's
Phantom Hawk
Courtesy of
Tapestry Miniatures |
Several breeds have contributed to the development of
the American Miniature Horse. English and Dutch mine
horses, Shetland ponies and imported Miniatures from
England, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Some American
Miniatures have been selectively bred from larger
breeds.
The American Miniature Horse Association was formed
in 1978. The Association accepts Miniatures 34” and
under. Horses must be sound, have correct confirmation
and show symmetry, strength, agility and alertness. Any
colour, pattern or eye colour is acceptable which makes
the American Miniature Horse the most colourful breed
today!
The smallest horse ever listed in the American
Miniature Horse Association studbooks was Tiny Tim who
stood at 19” high. He was foaled in 1970 and sired
several Grand Champion mares.
To learn more about these fascinating and delightful
horses please visit the Featured Breeders websites
listed below as well as the Association websites.
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Winter
Bay Mist
Courtesy
of Lost Spoke Ranch
Tiny Tim
as a foal |
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Featured
Breeders
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Blue
Boy's Texas Tornado
Courtesy
of Jones'
Mini-Whinnies |
Associations
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