Miniature horses have been developed from centuries of selective breeding and are defined by their small heights. Ideally miniature horses should look like scaled down versions of larger breeds of horses, with the same conformation and movement as would be desirable in its full-sized counterpart. Miniatures horses vary in look, with some looking like scaled down Arabs while others look like scaled down drafts. With heights less than 34/38 inches depending on the stud book/breed registry. There are multiple breed registries/stud books which encompasses miniature horses, in which each of these breed registries/stud books tend to have their own breed standards. Miniature horses vary in colours and coat patterns. They are great companion animals that can be trained for driving, agility, showing, therapy work and to be assistant animals. 

 

There are numerous show opportunities in the UK for miniature horses with shows offering halter, driving, in-hand jumping, obstacle and liberty classes. Please see the show society/events page for more details. 

 

 

Breeding miniaturized horses comes with the risk of dwarfism, however through efficient breeding stock selection these risks can be removed/minimized. Dwarfism is a concern within the miniature horse breed, as dwarfism can seriously affect the horse’s health and the horse’s quality of life. There are four identified gene mutations which are associated with the dwarf phenotype. Fortunately, DNA testing is available to test for these gene mutations. Please see the health page for more details on dwarfism and DNA testing. 

The Shetland ponies are small, hardy and strong ponies originating from the Shetland Isles, Scotland. Shetland ponies were once used as pit ponies working down in the mines, nowadays Shetland ponies are used as children’s riding ponies, for driving, agility, showing, companion animals and for therapy work. 

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Two significant types established themselves within the breed, the heavier boned animal with a longer head and the lighter one with high tail carriage and small pretty head. The height limit for adult ponies is 42", ponies over 34" are Standard and ponies 34" and under are known as Miniatures. Shetland ponies can be any colour except spotted. 

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There are numerous show opportunities in the UK for Shetland ponies with shows offering halter, driving, in-hand jumping, obstacle and liberty classes. Please see the show society/events page for more details. 

Information from: www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk

The American Shetland Pony is breed that has been developed in the USA, the breed was derived from the traditional Shetland pony from the Shetland Isles, but through cross breeding with other horse and pony breeds a taller, more animated and elegant breed was developed. American Shetland ponies do not have the thick coats of the traditional Shetland, and the conformation of an American Shetland is similar to conformation of the Hackney Pony, with some Arab influence.  

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American Shetland ponies are often used for harness work, show jumping for young riders, agility and for in-hand showing. 

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American Shetland Ponies are registered in the American Shetland Pony Club stud book, in one of four divisions: foundation, classic, modern, and modern pleasure; the divisions are distinguished by variations in conformation. American Shetland ponies have a maximum height of 46 inches, and come in any colour but not spotted. 

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Many American Shetland ponies that are less than 38 inches tall are also registered with other miniature horse registries. 

Information from: www.shetlandminiature.com