Miniature horses are horses that are short in stature. They are distinguished from ponies by the proportionality of the limbs in relation to the body. Recently, mini horses have become very popular among breeders. Children are also very fond of them, as these horses are kind and well developed both physically and mentally. The most common breeds of mini horses are: Falabela, American Miniature, Mini Appaloosa, Miniature Shetland Pony.

Falabella

The Falabella breed, which was first seen on an Argentine ranch, is over a hundred years old. She carries the gene for short stature. Even if the Falabella horse produces offspring from a tall horse, it will still be short. Their height does not exceed 70 cm. They have a graceful, proportional body structure, their weight reaches 55 kg. Animals of this breed are happy to come into contact with children, can bear the weight of a 7-year-old child.

American miniature

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The American Miniature breed was developed in the United States of America. The first individuals were seen in the middle of the 18th century, but the American Miniature began to be considered a separate breed in the 80s of the last century. The American miniature horse makes contact with humans with ease. She is very kind, quickly becomes attached to children. Also worth noting is her extraordinary mind. Very often these horses are shown in various circus performances of the elite class. She can perform many tricks, she is strong enough to ride a grown man of average build. Well trained. The American Miniature is often trained to be a guide for visually impaired people.

American Miniature Horse

Mini appaloosa

Isabella horse

The Mini Appaloosa dwarf horse got its name from the fact that it was bred in the valley of the Palouse River, in the region of North America. This breed cannot be confused with any other.

Its distinctive features:

  • Spotted skin;
  • Striped hooves;
  • The iris of the eye is dark in color, with a clear line separating the protein.

The height of a small horse is from 70 to 100 cm. Most often, dwarf horses grow medium in size, within 85 cm. The mini-appaloosa is considered strong, with strong hooves, with well-developed muscles. The breed has gained wide popularity in Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, Belgium. Mini Appaloosa has just begun to conquer the vastness of Russia. In the near future, she will gain a solid position among the horse breeders of Russia.

Mini Appaloosa horse

Miniature shetland pony

How much does a horse weigh?

The miniature Shetland pony is named after the Shetland Islands. This dwarf horse is very hardy. It used to be used to work in coal mines. She carried carts filled with mined ule to the surface. Even now, some farmers use the Miniature Shetland Pony as an alternative to another draft animal, the donkey.

Today the breed is well known throughout the world. Mini Horse The Miniature Shetland Pony can often be seen in circus arenas. They are well trained, easily make contact with people. They can often be found at the races. The eyes of the small horse are predominantly dark in color. The ears are straight, small in size, set at a clear right angle. Wide, large nostrils. Animals have well-developed muscles, strong limbs, and a small back.

Since the breed was bred in cold climates, these horses have a chic mane that grows very quickly and densely. Therefore, they tolerate a sharp drop in air temperature and high humidity quite well. In summer, the Miniature Shetland Pony begins to molt. Together with the withers, the average height of a pony is about 95 centimeters. An error in height up to 7 centimeters is allowed. If the animal exceeds these indicators, this indicates impurities of different breeds.

Miniature shetland pony

When breeding this breed, it is recommended to monitor the amount and quality of food. Miniature Shetland ponies gain weight very easily and quickly. Excess weight affects their agility negatively.

Interesting! The breed has set a record for longevity. With proper and careful care, Miniature Shetland ponies can live for about 35 years.

Guinness Book of Records

Due to its miniature parameters, three horses were marked in the Book of Records, which to this day are fighting for the title of the smallest horse in the world. In 2006, a dwarf horse, nicknamed Thumbelina, entered the Book of Records at the age of 5. The height of Tumbelina, as its owners called it, is only 43 cm. It weighs 25 kg. Tumbelina held the title of "the smallest horse in the world" until 2010.

In 2010, a foal was born in England, nicknamed Einstein. The height of the horse is 36 centimeters, with a weight of 29 kg. Today Einstein is the smallest horse in the world.

Today Einstein is the smallest horse in the world.

Another horse, named Bella, claims this title. Her height does not exceed 38 centimeters, which is two centimeters more than Einstein. But among the horses of her breed, she is the smallest. In the Guinness Book of Records, horses are not yet divided by breed.

Fact! In Russia, the smallest is the American mini horse named Gulliver. Horse Gulliver grew up to 40 cm in height, and at birth, when the growth of a foal was only 30 cm, he claimed the title of the smallest horse in the world.

Guide horses

Some breeds of miniature horses are bred specifically for training to help blind people. Horses are well trained, they can provide great support to people who, in addition to vision problems, have disorientation in space and impaired coordination of movements. Horses that are able to help blind people are raised in special nurseries. They are also trained there.

The guide horse became widespread among Muslims. According to their religion, the dog is considered a "dirty" animal. Many Muslims do not even think about living with her as a full-fledged member of the family. They are prohibited from contacting these animals. The only and most acceptable alternative in this case is the guide horse.

Guide horse

Guide horses differ from fellow dogs in terms of attentiveness. Unlike a dog, she never rushes after a cat. Horses with such a responsible profession are given special shoes that will allow them to enter any store, hospital department, etc.

Maintenance and care

Caring for short horses is no different from caring for tall relatives. Due to growth, where one large individual will fit, you can place two, or even three small ones. It is not recommended to keep horses alone. These animals have a calm disposition and get along well with neighbors. Mini horses will calmly endure the cold season. They do not need special feeding, which will somehow differ from the feed of tall horses.

Note! A mare that feeds its offspring should receive 30-40% more feed than other individuals.

Most of the food of these animals is roughage, such as:

  • Hay;
  • Herbal flour;
  • Grass, etc.

Mini horse diet

Any cereals must be given in limited quantities, as horses on porridge gain weight very quickly, and for some breeds this has an extremely negative effect on health and activity.

Important! In an animal's drinking cup, the water should be changed several times a day. Horses react very poorly to stagnant or dirty water. The water should be at room temperature. Do not allow the water to be cold, as the animal can get cold.

Miniature horses need daily grooming, weekly bathing. Hooves should be cleaned of dirt as needed.

Miniature horse breeds need to be vaccinated, as do taller ones. Only the dose of the vaccine is calculated by veterinarians based on the horse's body proportions.

Mini horses very quickly become family members due to their affectionate nature and great devotion. They can safely be called human helpers, and not just decorative animals. Also, some breeds successfully treat many diseases, such as: autism, diseases of the nervous system, etc. They are unpretentious in their care, they get along well with children, you can arrange unforgettable horse rides with them.