Miniature horse breeds are types of horse that are defined by their small size. Smallest horse breeds should have height not more than 100 cm or 40 inches or may be less. This type of breed is characterized to show the small size horse especially.
Where can we find this breed? Animalalias gives you the answer to this question. You guys can get this breed of horses in countries like; Holland, Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland,Namibia, Philippines, United States and the United Kingdom.
Miniature horse breeds that are also familiar as smallest horse breeds are genetically more similar to Pony breeds like Dartmoor Pony, Shetland Pony and the Connemara Pony.
They are the companion animals in the horse shows while horse riders like Pippa Funnell are riding. These horses also have been trained as helping horses for blind people. In this guide we will discuss 18 miniature horse breeds in detail.
18 Miniature Horse Breeds
Do you know the history of Miniature horse breeds? Don’t worry we have got you covered in this guide. Actually Lady Estella Mary Hope and her sister Lady Dorothea were bred small horses in England. It was the twentieth century first half.
Patrick Newtall is the founder of Falabella. Falabella was developed by him in the 1800s in Argentina. His breeding method passed on to the next generation after his death. His son in law named Juan Falabella took the breeding process on her shoulder and that is why they are called Falabella on Newtall son in law’s name.
After that we found in history that Juan added more bloodlines including Welsh Pony, Shetland pony, and Connemara pony. With this breeding he found a small size within the herd.
When Wynand de Wet of Lendley began breeding Shetland stock in 1945, it was the time when a South African miniature horse was bred. Do you know in 2011 about 750 horses in the country.
Do you know about Morphology? Some have the conformation of the draft horse and others have Arab appearance. Many associations were linked with breed, mostly recent is breed association which was established in 1984 and then 1989 the South African Miniature was introduced by national south african stud book. Also a very well known association is the American miniature horse association in Alvarado, Texas.
Let’s delve into these miniature horse breeds one by one with hidden knowledge you didn’t read earlier.
1. Shetland Pony
About 20 years ago, I felt the Pony horses are nothing, they are like fun. But after I got the Shetland Pony I noticed that they are very intelligent, spunky and strong.
As we know hauling coal from mine is too difficult a task. But these Shetland pony horses do it very easily, which shows their strength and help to humans. These horses are also helpful in agricultural work.
Shetland Pony has thick coats that help them in Scotland winter. Scotland Isle is famous for them because of the discovery of them about 4200 years ago. In the cold weather of Scotland Shetland Pony lift double of their own weight.
In Europe they have become the most popular for driving and as companion animals. In Therapeutic riding programs they are also popular because of their friendly nature. I often did not see them aggressive.
Animal Alias is suggested if you are looking for a miniature breed with a magnificent mane and tail, you can select Shetland Pony.
Shetland Pony Breed Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
| Size | 71 – 106.7 cm (7 to 10.5 hands; American Shetlands up to 11.5 hands) |
| Colours | All colours (black, grey, white, chestnut, brown, etc.) except Appaloosa-like spotting |
| Physical Traits | Broad head, compact body, short legs, thick neck |
| Temperament | Witty, caring, smart, courageous |
2. Falabella
As I discussed earlier, Falabella originated from Argentina. Falabella’s name comes from the Newtall son in law Jaun Falabella. Due to the training nature and manageable size Falabella is considered as a guide animal.
Do you know the Falabella breed is the mix of different miniature horse breeds like Criollo horses, Shetland Ponies and small Thoroughbred.
They left a few thousand in the world. That is why endless efforts are being made to keep this breed’s bloodline going.
Falabella Horse Breed Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
| Size | 63.5 – 86.4 cm (6.25 to 8.5 hands) |
| Colours | Variety, commonly black and spot colours |
| Physical Traits | Small structure, large head, sleek coat |
| Temperament | Docile and calm |
| Uses and Popularity | The Falabella Horse is often used as a companion and service animal. They’re also small enough for indoor living, making them perfect guide animals. |
3. American Miniature Horse
Most popular breed among miniature horse breeds. American Miniature Horse height is divided into 2 divisions. They are no more taller than 39 inches ( or 9.6 hands). Due to their small height we can use this breed for riding. But we can use it for jumping, obstacle courses and serve as therapy animals.
Miniature Horse Breed Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
| Size | 86 – 96.5 cm (8.5 to 9.5 hands) |
| Colours | Black, white, palomino, bay, and chocolate |
| Physical Traits | Small muscular build with similar proportions to larger horses |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly, and gentle |
| Height | Typically under 8.5 hands (34 inches) to 9.5 hands (38 inches) |
| Weight | 150 to 350 pounds |
| Physical Characteristics | Small, muscular build; proportions similar to larger horses |