All About Miniature Horses

While we all know Miniature Horses are adorably cute, sometimes we focus so much on riding that we miss all the other great things that these tiny horses have going for them. There’s lots of fun to be had with Minis, so let’s take a closer peek!

offering a full slate of classes for Minis, the AMHA World Championship Show (held annually in Ft. Worth, Texas) also offers photo, art, and essay contests for youth exhibitors, as well as awards for sportsmanship and leadership.

Halter and showmanship are two popular show classes Mini Horse owners can enter. Photo by Krissy Freitag

And speaking of leadership, the AMHyA Executive Committee is made up of youth members who work to promote leadership and citizenship skills, fundraising, event planning, and outreach.

The AMHA also offers the Mini Hours program, in which AMHA members (youth or adult) can log hours spent with their Minis in a wide range of activities, including training, grooming, showing, trail drives, parades, therapy and more. Certificates, stickers, and awards are provided at intervals (100, 250, 500, and 1,000 hours—and beyond!).

Driving is a very popular activity among Miniature Horse enthusiasts. Photo by Hannah Draughan/Courtesy AMHA

The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) also offers youth programs, including contests, scholarships, high-point awards, and a junior judging program.

Right at Home

Don’t forget all of the horsekeeping benefits a tiny equine offers. Minis require less space than a full-sized horse (helpful if you have limited acreage), and they can be more economical to keep than larger horses since you won’t rack up a super-sized hay and feed bill.

Finally, think of the hours you can spend grooming, training, and simply enjoying a Mini. They truly are little horses with great big hearts.

More Info About Miniature Horses

How small are Minis, anyway? Well, they’re pretty tiny—the American Miniature Horse Association recognizes Minis that are 34 inches and under, while the American Miniature Horse Registry recognizes Minis that are up to 38 inches. Either way—that’s a small equine! But there’s a lot of personality and tons of talent packed into those tiny equines.