American miniature horse: description of the dwarf breed and content

Among the breeds of horses, there are those whose characteristics distinguish them from all the others. For example, the growth of animals of the American miniature breed does not exceed 85 cm. They are the size of a large dog. The small size makes the American Miniature Horse popular with owners of exotic horse breeds. Consider the description, features of the breed, keeping and caring for animals at home.

History of the breed

Despite the name - American Miniature - the history of the breed begins in Europe. Back in the 17th century, noble people kept animals of small stature as pets. Since the 18th century, small horses have been used to work in the mines.

From Europe, mini-horses came to America. The descendants of these animals formed the core of the breed, which was registered as a separate breed in 1978. Today, the United States is considered the breeding center, a specially created association registers all purebred individuals.

Appearance and characteristics of the American miniature horse

By breed standards, animals should be 70-85 cm at the withers. Foals grow up to 3 years. The main difference between the American miniature and pony breeds is the body proportions characteristic of a large riding horse. They have the right graceful build, small head, thin high legs, smooth short hair.

Having these characteristics, horses look like a smaller copy of an ordinary horse. The suit can be bay, red, black, chubara, piebald, nightingale. The eyes are dark and blue.

Their character is good-natured, animals are contact, non-aggressive, love to communicate with a person. Even stallions rarely find out the relationship between themselves, so they can be kept together.Miniature American horses live up to 35-40 years old, retain the ability to reproduce up to 21-23 years old.

Pros and cons

Pros and conssmall growth;correct addition;calm character;ability to learn;can work as guides for the blind, are used to treat children from nervous diseases and pathologies of the motor system;live longer than larger counterparts.in low mini-horses, body proportions worsen, exterior flaws appear more often, there are difficult births;the high cost of the animal.

Participation in the show

American miniature horses are well trained, animals are often used for photo shoots and exhibitions. Non-aggressive to children, kids under 4 years old can be ridden on them. Hardy, harnessed to a light wagon, able to carry an adult.

For breeders and owners of these horses, there are championships, which evaluate the build and exterior, elegance. Movement at different gaits, work in a harness, passage of a route with barriers and also the outfit of an animal in “costume classes” are assessed.

Maintenance, care and nutrition

A thoroughbred horse can be kept on a private plot in a small insulated stable. Be sure to take the animal for a walk every day. Feed, like big horses, fresh grass and hay, grain, cereals (20% of the diet), give fresh vegetables and fruits. They eat little, but more than large horses, considering the weight and size of the body. Mini horses are prone to obesity, especially when not exercised. Excess weight will cause the development of metabolic diseases and other pathologies.

In summer they can graze in the pasture, in winter they should be kept in a stall, but also taken out for a walk every day, except on days when it is very cold. Walking helps keep animals he althy, strengthens joints and ligaments.

The stable for a miniature horse should be insulated, despite the fact that animals are overgrown with wool for the winter, which retains heat well. Caring for a mini-horse consists in cleaning the bedding, cleaning the wool, clearing the hooves at least once every 1.5-2 months. To remove the smell that is inherent in any horse, the animal should be bathed outside or even in the bathroom with warm water and pet shampoo.

This should be done no more than once a month, so as not to overdry the skin. Little horse needs vaccinations and deworming.

Features of breeding

Adult stallions and mares must be kept separately. Release together only for the purpose of mating. Young animals up to 2 years of age can be together. Then you need to divide by gender. Young stallions that have grown up together can be kept together as long as they do not show aggression towards each other. If they start to fight, divide into separate paddocks. For comfortable communication, it will be enough that the horses will see each other.

Pregnancy in an American miniature mare lasts 11 months. When breeding at home, you need to invite a veterinarian to take care of the birth, as mares of this breed may have problems with foaling.

Frequent illnesses

Like large horses, miniature horses often experience colic, which without immediate help can end in the death of the animal. Hoof diseases - rheumatic inflammation, laminitis, frog rot - are due to improper maintenance and poor care. Horses can become infected with infectious diseases; vaccination is carried out for prevention.

The American Miniature is a well-built horse, attractive in appearance, which can be kept in a private home as a pet.Caring for and feeding babies is no different from caring for an ordinary horse. A mini horse can become a family friend, but children especially love such animals. Even those children who are afraid of their large brothers feel confident with them. Horses are calm, friendly, and can live next to their owners for decades.