OK PetGazette - Miniature Horses

Mar Jacs Moon Walker. Owned by
Davilene Killman & Jim Tobey

Miniature Magic

Arabesque Just a Little Bit
Fancy "Missy"–10 days old

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When cat lovers wanted an exotic looking feline with a luxurious coat, they developed the Persian cat. Dog lovers sought a small curly-haired canine and produced the toy Poodle. With the same dedication, equine enthusiasts recognized the benefits of a smaller horse. Now there is the miniature horse.

And a miniature horse is just that–a smaller version of the standard sized horse that we often ride or see at the races. It's not a pony, technically. The American Miniature Horse Association allows registration of horses up to 34 inches in height. The American Miniature Horse Registry takes horses up to 38 inches. A "pony" is a horse over 38 inches up to 14 hands in height.

If you're a horse lover, but for some reason can't ride a horse, or don't have the facilities to house a standard horse, then the miniature may be for you. A mini is easier to care for, though it still needs space to run, a barn for shelter, grooming and medical care, and oats and hay to eat. Basically, a mini needs all the same things as a large horse, but in smaller doses.

A miniature horse is a great first horse for a child. It's a good way to "get in the saddle" with the world of horses. On average, five minis equal the amount of space a standard horse requires. An average yard can easily handle one mini. But, remember, these are horses, not dogs, and your home must be zoned for livestock.

Minis have the personality of horses too. Their temperament is similar to a full-sized one. "They bite and kick just like any horse," states Davilene "Davie" Killman, owner and operator of Arabesque Acres in Norman. "They will behave if you show them companionship, and if they know who's boss." Dominant mares can develop in herds, and stallions must be kept separated, as with other breeding stock. Minis can be very affectionate and do make great companions.

If you can't ride them, what do you do with them? As with any pet, you can enjoy their company and maintain their needs. If you have a competitive nature, showing may be your thing. Each registry (AMHA and AMHR) has clubs that sponsor horse shows in every region. There are numerous classes set by age, size and color, as well as youth classes, jumping, obstacles and driving with a cart. Prizes of ribbons and trophies are often awarded and occasionally money. Showing is considered one aspect of the miniature horse hobby, and it's a great way for a horse breeder to get recognition for breeding sucesses. Adult minis can be ridden. However, the rider must weigh less than 65 pounds.

Breeding is another avenue one can take with minis. It's a good learning experience for children to be involved with the breeding and training process. Selling some offspring can help defer your operating costs. However, as a hobbyist you should never go into the breeding of any animal with the thought of it being a profitable business. Remember, it's a hobby, and thus, will cost you money. Caring for any animal requires responsible dedication to the animal's well-being and health requirements. "It only takes one problem birth to set you back for a year," says Davie.

Minis carry their young for approximately 340 days, same as a standard horse, and can be bred starting at three years of age. Births are usually between February and July. This is later than big horses, since the minis need a bit warmer weather to safely raise their young. A mini weighs only 20 to 25 pounds at birth. (Your Thanksgiving turkey probably weighed in that range!) The fouls stand only 15 to 23 inches at birth. (A large house cat can be bigger than that!) A newborn mini will start its bucking and kicking within 30 minutes and will be weaned at only three months of age.

My best advice to you is not to go to a miniature horse auction unless you can withstand temptation. There you will find a real, four-hoofed, neighing, mane and tail flowing horse for only $200. You can pet the mini that will brush up against you and snort his warm breath on your arm. You will giggle when it nibbles at your hand. $200 for a horse? Yes, a pet quality colt can go for only $200-$300. A filly is a bit higher, in the $750 - $1,500 range. These prices will differ, depending on the area. Some regions are more saturated with minis than others, and some types of minis are more popular than others. Pintos are the current rage in the nation, so you can expect to spend a little more for one with that pattern.

In general, the market for minis has stabilized in recent years. The pet hobbyists, who got into breeding minis with the thought of it being a lucrative business, have gone on to other dreams. The serious breeders have remained. The pedigree lines are becoming solid, and the industry sees a bright future. The idealistic size of the mini has further stabilized in most breeding lines, thus more quality animals are available for showing and breeding.

Some people are dog lovers; others are rabbit lovers or whatever. "Horses are in my blood," admits Davie, a former Arabian horse breeder who can no longer ride due to a back injury. For someone like her, the miniature horse was the logical step to take. If you think you're a miniature horse person, check it out. Go to horse shows, visit with breeders, and read all you can about them. Make sure this is the right thing for you and your lifestyle.

Animal lovers usually find a way to have the animal of their choice. If it doesn't exist, we make it. If a large one isn't right, we develop a small version. And, for horse lovers everywhere, we can give the oats to the miniature horse.

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