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{{Short description|Very small horse}}
{{Infobox horse
[[File:Miniatuurpaardje.jpg|thumb|At the Agriflanders [[agricultural show]] in [[Ghent]] in 2009|alt=a very small pale chestnut horse]]
|name= Miniature Horse
[[File:Miniature Horse Show.jpg|thumb|At Agriflanders in Ghent in 2007]]
|image=Miniatuurpaardje.jpg
A '''miniature horse''' is a [[list of horse breeds|breed]] or [[type of horse]] characterised by its small size. Usually it has been [[selective breeding|bred]] to display in miniature the [[morphology (biology)|physical characteristics]] of a full-sized horse, but to be little over {{convert|100|cm|-1|abbr=on}} in height, or even less. Although such horses have the appearance of small horses, they are genetically much more similar to [[pony]] breeds such as the [[Shetland (pony)|Shetland]].{{r|cabi|p=486|}} They have various colors and coat patterns.
|image_caption= Miniature horse at show in Europe
|features = Small size, with horse phenotype {{convert|34|-|38|in|cm}} at the [[withers]]
|altname=
|country=
|group1=
|std1=
}}

A '''miniature horse''' is a [[list of horse breeds|breed]] or type of horse characterised by its small size. Usually it has been [[selective breeding|bred]] to display in miniature the [[morphology (biology)|physical characteristics]] of a full-sized horse, but to be little over {{convert|100|cm|-1|abbr=on}} in height, or even less. Although such horses have the appearance of small horses, they are genetically much more similar to [[pony]] breeds such as the [[Shetland (pony)|Shetland]].{{r|cabi|p=486|}} They have various colors and coat patterns.


Miniature horses are present in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Namibia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States.{{r|dad}} In some countries they have the status of a [[breed]]; these include the [[Falabella]] of Argentina, the Dutch Miniature or {{lang|nl|italic=no|Nederlands Mini Paard}}, the South African Miniature Horse and the [[American Miniature Horse]].
Miniature horses are present in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Namibia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States.{{r|dad}} In some countries they have the status of a [[breed]]; these include the [[Falabella]] of Argentina, the [[Dutch Miniature]] or {{lang|nl|italic=no|Nederlands Mini Paard}}, the South African Miniature Horse and the [[American Miniature Horse]].


They are commonly kept as family pets. Some have been trained as [[service animal]]s, and others for sporting activities such as [[driving (horse)|driving]], [[equine agility]] and other competitive [[horse show]] events.
They are commonly kept as [[companion animal]]s, or for sporting activities such as [[driving (horse)|driving]] or other competitive [[horse show]] events. A few have been trained as [[guide horse]]s for [[blind people]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Mini-ponei(REFON).jpg|thumb|Miniature stallion with mares and foals]]
[[File:Mini-ponei(REFON).jpg|thumb|At a show in [[Avaré, São Paulo]], Brazil]]
Miniature horses originated in Europe, where there is written and [[iconographic]] documentation of them from the late eighteenth century.{{r|dutson|p=168|imh}} In the first half of the twentieth century small horses were bred in England by Lady Estella Mary Hope and her sister Lady Dorothea.{{r|dutson|p=168}}
Miniature horses originated in Europe, where there is written and [[iconographic]] documentation of them from the late eighteenth century.{{r|dutson|p=168}}<ref name=imh>[http://www.imh.org/exhibits/online/american-miniature-horse "American Miniature Horse".] ''International Museum of the Horse''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> The English began using small ponies in their mines after the [[Mines and Collieries Act 1842]] prohibited the use of young children as mine workers. [[Shetland pony|Shetland ponies]] were most frequently seen, although any small, strong ponies that would fit in the small mine shafts were used as [[pit pony|pit ponies]].{{cn|date=August 2022}} Small British and Dutch mine horses were brought to the USA in the late nineteenth century,<ref name=AMHAHistory>[http://amha.org/index.asp?KeyName=121 "About the Breed".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401072245/http://amha.org/index.asp?KeyName=121 |date=April 1, 2013}} ''American Miniature Horse Association''. Accessed April 30, 2014.</ref> and continued the work of their British relatives, being employed in the coal mines of the eastern and central US until the mid-twentieth century.<ref name=dutson>{{cite book|title=Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America|author=Dutson, Judith|publisher=Storey Publishing|year=2005|isbn=1580176135|pages=168–170}}</ref> In the 1960s, public appreciation for miniature horses began to grow, and they were increasingly used in a number of equestrian disciplines.<ref name=AMHAHistory/>


The [[Falabella]] was developed in [[Argentina]] in the mid-1800s by Patrick Newtall. When Newtall died, the herd and breeding methods were passed to Newtall's son-in-law, Juan Falabella. Juan added additional bloodlines including the [[Welsh Pony]], [[Shetland pony]], and small [[Thoroughbreds]]. With considerable inbreeding he was able to gain consistently small size within the herd.<ref>{{cite book|date=2007|title=International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds|author=Hendricks, Bonnie|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=9780806138848|pages=183–184}}</ref>
The [[Falabella]] was developed in [[Argentina]] in the mid-1800s by Patrick Newtall. When Newtall died, the herd and breeding methods were passed to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella. Falabella added additional bloodlines including the [[Welsh Pony]], [[Shetland pony]], and small [[Thoroughbreds]]. With considerable inbreeding he was able to gain consistently small size within the herd.{{r|hendricks|p=183}}


The South African Miniature Horse was bred in South Africa from about 1945, when Wynand de Wet of [[Lindley, Free State|Lindley]] began [[selective breeding]] of Shetland stock. In 2011 there were about 700 of the horses in the country. [[Morphology (biology)|Morphology]] is variable: some have an [[Arabian horse|Arab]] appearance, while others have the [[equine conformation|conformation]] of a [[draft horse]]. A [[breed association]] was established in 1984, and in 1989 the South African Miniature was recognized by the national [[South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association]].{{r|samh}}
The South African Miniature Horse was developed in South Africa and has a wide range of [[equine conformation|conformations]] represented in its population. Some resemble miniature [[Arabian horse|Arabians]], while others appear to be scaled-down versions of [[draft horse]]s.<ref>{{cite book|date=2007|title=International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds|author=Hendricks, Bonnie|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=9780806138848|page=385}}</ref> Wynand de Wet was the first breeder of miniature horses in South Africa, beginning his program in 1945 in [[Lindley, Free State|Lindley, South Africa]]. Other breeders soon followed, with many using Arabian horses in their breeding programs. In 1984, a breed registry was begun, and the national livestock association recognized the South African Miniature Horse as an independent breed in 1989. There are approximately 700 miniature horses registered in South Africa.<ref>[http://www.saminiaturehorse.co.za/index.php?p=2 "History"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814042428/http://www.saminiaturehorse.co.za/index.php?p=2 |date=August 14, 2011}}, ''Miniature Horse Breeders' Society of South Africa''. Accessed April 28, 2014</ref>


==Characteristics and registration==
== Characteristics ==
[[File:Charming.JPG|thumb|Miniature horse stallion]]
[[File:Charming.JPG|thumb|[[American Miniature Horse]] stallion]]
There are two registries in the [[United States]] for miniature horses: the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) and the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). The AMHA was founded in 1978 and was dedicated to establishing the miniature horse as a distinct breed of horse.<ref name="AMHA"/><ref name=dutson/> Many of the international organizations are associated with the AMHA, including clubs throughout Canada and in several European countries.<ref>[http://www.amha.org/member-services/approved-clubs "Approved Clubs".], ''American Miniature Horse Association''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> The AMHR is a division of the American [[Shetland pony]] Club and was established as a separate registry in 1972.<ref name="shetland pony">[http://www.horseshoes.com/magazine/shetland/amstpncl.htm "Unique -- Interesting -- A Class All of lts Own,"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214052642/http://www.horseshoes.com/magazine/shetland/amstpncl.htm |date=December 14, 2006}} ''The Journal of The American Shetland Pony Club'' Accessed January 17, 2007</ref>
Worldwide, there are dozens of miniature horse registries. Some organizations emphasize breeding of miniatures with horse characteristics, others encourage minis to retain pony characteristics. Along with registries for miniature horses in general, there are also breed-specific registries, such as several for the [[Falabella]] horse.<ref>[http://www.guidehorse.com/registry.htm "The Top 20 Miniature Horse Registries".] ''The Guide Horse Foundation''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref>


Miniature horses are generally quite hardy. They often live for longer than is typical for full-sized horses of some breeds; the usual life span is from 25 to 35 years.<ref name=facts>[http://www.guidehorse.com/faq_horses.htm Miniature Horse Facts]. Guide Horse Foundation. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref>
In the AMHR, Miniatures cannot exceed 38&nbsp;inches at the [[withers]] (which the AMHR defines as located at the last hair of the mane). There are two divisions in AMHR: the "A" division for horses {{convert|34|in|cm}} and under, and the "B" division for horses {{convert|34|to|38|in|cm}}.<ref name="AMHR">[http://www.shetlandminiature.com/our-breedsaspc-amhr-aspr-nsppr/amhr.html "American Miniature Horse"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429051100/http://www.shetlandminiature.com/our-breedsaspc-amhr-aspr-nsppr/amhr.html |date=April 29, 2014}}, ''American Shetland Pony Club/American Miniature Horse Registry''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> The AMHA requires that horses stand under 34 inches. Horses of any eye or [[equine coat color|coat color]], and any form of [[horse markings|white markings]], are allowed to be registered. The AMHA standard suggests that if a person were to see a photograph of a miniature horse, without any size reference, it would be identical in characteristics, conformation, and proportion to a full-sized horse.<ref name="AMHA">[http://www.amha.org/docs/default-source/Rule-Book/2014_amha_rulebook_web.pdf?sfvrsn=0 "2014 American Miniature Horse Association Rule Book"], ''American Miniature Horse Association'', page 3. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> According to the AMHR, a "Miniature should be a small, sound, well-balanced horse and should give the impression of strength, agility and alertness. A Miniature should be eager and friendly but not skittish in disposition."<ref name="shetland pony"/>


Their predisposition to disease is markedly different from that of full-sized horses. They are only rarely affected by ailments such as [[laryngeal hemiplegia]], [[osteochondrosis]] or [[navicular disease]], all of which are common in larger horses,{{r|rebecca|p=xii}} but are much more likely to develop other illnesses rare in large horses, such as [[hyperlipaemia]] — which may lead to [[hepatic lipidosis]] — or [[eclampsia]].{{r|rebecca|p=xii|ceh|p2=6}} [[Dental misalignment]] and overcrowding are more common than in larger horses: [[brachygnathism]] ("parrot mouth") and [[prognathism]] ("sow mouth") are often seen;{{r|rebecca|p=53}} retention of [[deciduous teeth|caps]] can occur, as can infection of the [[paranasal sinuses|sinuses]] associated with [[tooth eruption]].{{r|rebecca|p=55}} Poor mastication can contribute to an increased incidence of [[horse colic|colic]] caused by [[enterolith]]s, [[faecolith]]s, or sand.{{r|ceh|p=5}}
They are generally quite hardy, often living longer on average than some full-sized horse breeds; the average life span of miniature horses is from 25 to 35 years.<ref name="facts">[http://www.guidehorse.com/faq_horses.htm "Miniature Horse Facts"], ''Guide Horse Foundation''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> However, there are also some health issues that are more frequently found in miniature horses than their full-sized relatives. Overfeeding is a common problem in miniature horses, leading to obesity; this is especially true when owners are used to owning full-sized horses. Dental issues, including crowding, [[brachygnathism]] (overbites) and [[prognathism]] (underbites) are frequently seen, due to having the same number of teeth in a much smaller mouth. They can also experience retention of [[deciduous teeth]] (baby teeth) and sinus problems from overcrowding. The combination of a propensity for overeating and dental problems can lead to an increased occurrence of [[horse colic|colic]]. A major metabolic problem seen more frequently in miniature horses is [[hyperlipemia]], where an appetite-reducing stressor can cause the body to break down significant amounts of fat, overwhelming the liver and potentially leading to liver failure. Reproduction is also more difficult in miniature horses, with a higher incidence of difficult births and a greater potential for [[eclampsia]]. The majority of the health problems seen more frequently in miniature horses are easily rectified with proper feeding and maintenance.<ref name=TheHorseMini/>


==Uses==
== Use ==
[[File:Miniature Horse Show.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Miniature horses at a [[horse show]].]]
[[File:Guide horse.jpg|thumb|A miniature [[guide horse]]]]
Miniature horses are commonly kept as companion animals. They are often too small for any but the smallest riders to ride, but are well suited to [[driving (horse)|driving]]; some may participate in other [[horse show]] events.{{r|dutson|p=170}} A small number have been trained as [[guide horse]]s for [[blind people]], particularly for those who consider dogs unclean, as is common in [[Muslim]] cultures.{{r|dutson|p=170|imh|nbc}}
There are many [[horse show]] opportunities offered by registries and show sanctioning organizations worldwide. Many classes are offered, including [[Halter (horse show)|halter]] ([[horse conformation]]), in-hand hunter and jumper, [[driving (horse)|driving]], liberty, costume, obstacle or [[trail class]]es, and [[horse showmanship|showmanship]]. Miniature horses are also used as companion animals and pets for children, elderly people, and people who are [[Guide horse|blind]] or have [[Service animal|other disabilities]], as they are generally less intimidating and have lower maintenance costs than full-sized horses.<ref name=imh/> While miniature horses can be trained to work indoors, they are still real horses and are healthier when allowed to live outdoors (with proper shelter and room to run) when not working with humans.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.guidehorse.com/horses_house.htm |title=Horses in the house |publisher=Guide Horse Foundation |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref>

==Controversies==

===Dwarfism===
[[file:ThumbelinaByPhilKonstantin.jpg|right|thumb|Thumbelina - a Dwarf mare]]
[[Dwarfing|Dwarfism]] is a concern within the miniature horse world. Dwarf horses, while often setting world records for size, are not considered to have desirable traits, generally have incorrect [[horse conformation|conformation]], and may have significant health and soundness issues.<ref name=TheHorseMini>[http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31198/the-miniature-horse-more-than-just-a-smaller-horse "The Miniature Horse: More Than Just a Smaller Horse".] ''The Horse''. January 13, 2013. Accessed April 30, 2014.</ref> Therefore, many miniature horse registries try to avoid accepting minis affected by dwarfism for breeding stock registration.<ref>Ashby, Barbara. [http://ltlamerica.tripod.com/dwarfism.html "Dwarfism in Miniature Horses."] ''Miniature Horse World,'', p. 37–39 June/July issue, publication year unclear, web page accessed September 2, 2007.<!--This is a linkvio, as we are linking to a copyright violation. Needs to have the url replaced with one licensed to MHW, or the url needs to be removed--></ref> In 2014, a commercial DNA test became available for one set of dwarfism mutations. The four mutations of the [[ACAN (gene)|ACAN gene]] are known to cause dwarfism or aborted fetuses in miniature horses. The test does not detect the mutations that cause skeletal [[atavism]] in miniature horses and some ponies, or the [[osteochondrodysplasia]] dwarfism seen in some horse breeds.<ref>[http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33767/testing-available-for-dwarfism-gene-in-miniature-horses "Testing Available for Dwarfism Gene in Miniature Horses"], ''The Horse'', April 24, 2014. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref>

The oldest living horse on record was a miniature horse affected by dwarfism named Angel who lived with the Horse Protection Society of [[North Carolina]] and lived to be over 50.<ref name="facts"/> The current record holder for the world's smallest horse is also a horse affected by dwarfism, [[Thumbelina (horse)|Thumbelina]], who is fully mature but stands {{convert|17|in|cm}} tall and weighs {{convert|60|lb}}.

===Assistance animals===
[[File:Guide horse.jpg|thumb|upright|A demonstration image of a miniature horse working as a service animal]]
{{See also|Guide horse}}
There is controversy over whether miniature horses are suitable as [[assistance animal]]s for persons with disabilities. Those who favor their use point out that horses live much longer than dogs and can be trained to perform similar tasks. Another advantage is that some individuals, particularly from [[Muslim]] cultures, consider dogs unclean, but accept horses.<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/30155540 Seeing-eye horse guides blind Muslim woman], ''MSNBC'', retrieved February 8, 2012</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Miniature cattle]]
* [[Miniature cattle]]
* [[Guide horse]]


==References==
==References==
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<ref name=cabi>Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). [https://books.google.it/books?id=2UEJDAAAQBAJ&hl=en ''Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding''] (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. {{isbn|9781780647944}}.</ref>
<ref name=cabi>Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). [https://books.google.it/books?id=2UEJDAAAQBAJ&hl=en ''Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding''] (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. {{isbn|9781780647944}}.</ref>

<ref name=ceh>[s.n.] (December 2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20131206151406/http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/docs/horsereport/pubs-Dec2012-sec.pdf The Miniature Horse: More Than Just a Smaller Horse!]. ''CEH Horse Report''. Davis, California: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Archived December 6, 2013.</ref>


<ref name=dad>[https://www.fao.org/dad-is/browse-by-country-and-species/en/ Browse by species and country]. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed August 2022.</ref>
<ref name=dad>[https://www.fao.org/dad-is/browse-by-country-and-species/en/ Browse by species and country]. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed August 2022.</ref>


<ref name=dutson>Judith Dutson (2005). ''Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America''. North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey Publishing. {{isbn|9781580176132}}.</ref>


<!---ref name=ghf>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130127013333/http://www.guidehorse.com/horses_house.htm Horses in the house]. Guide Horse Foundation. Archived January 27, 2013.</ref--->

<ref name=hendricks>Bonnie Hendricks (2007). [https://books.google.it/books?id=CdJg3qXssWYC&pg=PA183&hl=en ''International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds'']. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press. {{isbn|9780806138848}}.</ref>

<ref name=imh>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150323212116/http://imh.org/exhibits/online/american-miniature-horse American Miniature Horse]. Lexington, Kentucky: International Museum of the Horse. Archived March 23, 2015.</ref>

<ref name=nbc>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210801125000/https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/seeing-eye-horse-guides-blind-muslim-woman-flna1c9465263 Seeing-eye horse guides blind Muslim woman]. ''NBC News''. Archived August 1, 2021.</ref>

<ref name=rebecca>Rebecca L. Frankeny (2008). [https://archive.org/details/miniaturehorsesv0000fran/page/n12/mode/1up ''Miniature Horses: A Veterinary Guide for Owners and Breeders'']. North Pomfret, Vermont: Trafalgar Square Publishing. {{isbn|9781570763984}}.</ref>

<ref name=samh>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110814042428/http://www.saminiaturehorse.co.za/index.php?p=2 History]. Bloemfontein: The South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association. Archived August 14, 2011.</ref>


}}
}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
{{commons|Miniature horse}}
*{{cite magazine|title=Miniature Horses|first=R.L.|last=Blakely|magazine=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]|pages=384–393|volume=167|issue=3|date=March 1985|issn=0027-9358|oclc=643483454}}
{{refbegin}}

* R.L. Blakely (March 1985). Miniature Horses. ''National Geographic'' '''167''' (3): 384–393. {{issn|0027-9358}}.
==External links==
{{refend}}
{{commons|Miniature horse|Miniature horse}}
*[http://www.amha.org American Miniature Horse Association]
*[http://www.shetlandminiature.com American Miniature Horse Registry]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120331065945/http://chevalminiature.jimdo.com/ American Miniature Horse in France]
*[http://www.cheval-miniature-afcm.com/ Association Française du Cheval Miniature]

{{Equine|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Types of horse]]
[[Category:Types of horse]]

{{bots|deny=Citation bot}}

Latest revision as of 19:18, 20 November 2024

a very small pale chestnut horse
At the Agriflanders agricultural show in Ghent in 2009
At Agriflanders in Ghent in 2007

A miniature horse is a breed or type of horse characterised by its small size. Usually it has been bred to display in miniature the physical characteristics of a full-sized horse, but to be little over 100 cm (40 in) in height, or even less. Although such horses have the appearance of small horses, they are genetically much more similar to pony breeds such as the Shetland.[1]: 486  They have various colors and coat patterns.

Miniature horses are present in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Namibia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States.[2] In some countries they have the status of a breed; these include the Falabella of Argentina, the Dutch Miniature or Nederlands Mini Paard, the South African Miniature Horse and the American Miniature Horse.

They are commonly kept as companion animals, or for sporting activities such as driving or other competitive horse show events. A few have been trained as guide horses for blind people.

History

[edit]
At a show in Avaré, São Paulo, Brazil

Miniature horses originated in Europe, where there is written and iconographic documentation of them from the late eighteenth century.[3]: 168 [4] In the first half of the twentieth century small horses were bred in England by Lady Estella Mary Hope and her sister Lady Dorothea.[3]: 168 

The Falabella was developed in Argentina in the mid-1800s by Patrick Newtall. When Newtall died, the herd and breeding methods were passed to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella. Falabella added additional bloodlines including the Welsh Pony, Shetland pony, and small Thoroughbreds. With considerable inbreeding he was able to gain consistently small size within the herd.[5]: 183 

The South African Miniature Horse was bred in South Africa from about 1945, when Wynand de Wet of Lindley began selective breeding of Shetland stock. In 2011 there were about 700 of the horses in the country. Morphology is variable: some have an Arab appearance, while others have the conformation of a draft horse. A breed association was established in 1984, and in 1989 the South African Miniature was recognized by the national South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association.[6]

Characteristics

[edit]
American Miniature Horse stallion

Miniature horses are generally quite hardy. They often live for longer than is typical for full-sized horses of some breeds; the usual life span is from 25 to 35 years.[7]

Their predisposition to disease is markedly different from that of full-sized horses. They are only rarely affected by ailments such as laryngeal hemiplegia, osteochondrosis or navicular disease, all of which are common in larger horses,[8]: xii  but are much more likely to develop other illnesses rare in large horses, such as hyperlipaemia — which may lead to hepatic lipidosis — or eclampsia.[8]: xii [9]: 6  Dental misalignment and overcrowding are more common than in larger horses: brachygnathism ("parrot mouth") and prognathism ("sow mouth") are often seen;[8]: 53  retention of caps can occur, as can infection of the sinuses associated with tooth eruption.[8]: 55  Poor mastication can contribute to an increased incidence of colic caused by enteroliths, faecoliths, or sand.[9]: 5 

Use

[edit]
A miniature guide horse

Miniature horses are commonly kept as companion animals. They are often too small for any but the smallest riders to ride, but are well suited to driving; some may participate in other horse show events.[3]: 170  A small number have been trained as guide horses for blind people, particularly for those who consider dogs unclean, as is common in Muslim cultures.[3]: 170 [4][10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. ISBN 9781780647944.
  2. ^ Browse by species and country. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed August 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Judith Dutson (2005). Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America. North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey Publishing. ISBN 9781580176132.
  4. ^ a b American Miniature Horse. Lexington, Kentucky: International Museum of the Horse. Archived March 23, 2015.
  5. ^ Bonnie Hendricks (2007). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 9780806138848.
  6. ^ History. Bloemfontein: The South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association. Archived August 14, 2011.
  7. ^ Miniature Horse Facts. Guide Horse Foundation. Accessed April 28, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d Rebecca L. Frankeny (2008). Miniature Horses: A Veterinary Guide for Owners and Breeders. North Pomfret, Vermont: Trafalgar Square Publishing. ISBN 9781570763984.
  9. ^ a b [s.n.] (December 2012). The Miniature Horse: More Than Just a Smaller Horse!. CEH Horse Report. Davis, California: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Archived December 6, 2013.
  10. ^ Seeing-eye horse guides blind Muslim woman. NBC News. Archived August 1, 2021.

Further reading

[edit]
  • R.L. Blakely (March 1985). Miniature Horses. National Geographic 167 (3): 384–393. ISSN 0027-9358.