What Is a Miniature Horse?

Features

• A miniature horse is, as its name suggests, defined by its size. Miniature horses are less than 34 inches tall at the withers, and typically have a longer life span than horses. They can live up to 35 years.

Disposition

• Miniature horses are often kept as companions and pets because of their naturally friendly, loving and laid-back personalities.

Miniature horse vs. pony

• Ponies are generally built differently than miniature horses. Ponies have shorter legs, are wider and have longer bodies, thicker necks, shorter heads and a heavy bone structure.
  Most official miniature horse associations require that registered miniature horses have the build and conformation of a horse, only smaller in stature.

History

• Miniature horses were originally bred as exotic pets for the Hapsburg family, with lineage dating back to the 17th century. Miniature horses were common in the British isles, where they were commonly used as cart horses and in coal mines.

Behavior patterns

• Miniature horses have all the herd behaviors of a full-sized horse. Just like a full-sized horse, miniature horses need room to run and play, regular turnout, veterinary and farrier care, shelter and a balanced diet.

Modern uses

• Recently, miniature horses have been used as service animals to the blind. Horses have a natural inclination to guide blind horses in the herd, and this has been translated to human companions.