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{{Short description|Very small horse}} |
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[[File:Miniatuurpaardje.jpg|thumb|At the Agriflanders [[agricultural show]] in [[Ghent]] in 2009|alt=a very small pale chestnut horse]] |
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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. |
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{{Infobox horse |
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|image=Miniatuurpaardje.jpg |
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|image_caption= Miniature horse at show in Europe |
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|features = Small size, with horse phenotype {{convert|34|-|38|in|cm}} as measured at the last hairs of the [[mane (horse)|mane]] |
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|altname=Mini horse |
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Mini ponies |
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|nickname=Mini |
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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]]. |
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'''Miniature horses''' are found in many nations, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The designation of miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal. Depending on the particular [[breed registry]] involved, is usually less than {{convert|34|-|38|in|cm}} as measured at the last hairs of the [[mane (horse)|mane]], which are found at the [[withers]]. While miniature horses fit a height-based definition to be considered a very small [[pony]], many retain [[horse]] characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries. They have various colors and coat patterns. |
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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]]. |
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Miniature horses are generally bred to be friendly and to interact well with people. For this reason they are often kept as family pets, though they still retain natural [[horse behavior]], including a natural [[fight-or-flight response|fight or flight]] instinct, and must be treated like an equine, even if they primarily serve as a [[pet|companion animal]]. They are also trained as [[service animal]]s, akin to [[assistance dog]]s for people with disabilities. Miniature horses are also trained for [[driving (horse)|driving]], [[equine agility]], and other competitive [[horse show]] type events. |
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[[File: |
[[File:Mini-ponei(REFON).jpg|thumb|At a show in [[Avaré, São Paulo]], Brazil]] |
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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}} |
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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=2006-12-14 }} ''The Journal of The American Shetland Pony Club'' Accessed January 17, 2007</ref> |
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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> |
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| ⚫ | 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}} |
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In the AMHR, Miniatures cannot exceed 38 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=2014-04-29 }}, ''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"/> |
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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}} |
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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/> |
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[[File: |
[[File:Charming.JPG|thumb|[[American Miniature Horse]] stallion]] |
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Miniature horses were first developed in Europe in the 1600s, and by 1765 they were seen frequently as the pets of nobility. Others were used in coal mines in England and continental Europe.<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]]. The first small horses in the United States date to 1861, when John Rarey imported four Shetland ponies, one of which was {{convert|24|in|cm}} tall.<ref name=Dutson/> Additional small British horses, as well as small Dutch mine horses, were brought to the US throughout the late 1800s.<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=2013-04-01 }} ''American Miniature Horse Association''. Accessed April 30, 2014.</ref> These small horses continued the work of their British relatives, being employed in the coal mines of the eastern and central US until the mid-1900s.<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/> |
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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> |
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| ⚫ | The [[Falabella |
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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}} |
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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=2011-08-14 }}, ''Miniature Horse Breeders' Society of South Africa''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> |
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== Use == |
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[[File:Guide horse.jpg|thumb|A miniature [[guide horse]]]] |
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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}} |
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* [[Li'l Sebastian]] |
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Li'l Sebastian is a miniature horse, who debuted at the Pawnee Harvest Festival in 1987, as an instant sensation. That week he was the eighth most photographed item in the United States. He also received an honorary degree from Notre Dame.<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/03/18/parks-and-recreation-harvest-festival-review</ref> Li'l Sebastian sadly passed away on May 19, 2011. A memorial service took place in the town of Pawnee, Indiana, hosted by none other than Entertainment 720. <ref>http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/05/13/parks-and-recreation-season-3-episodes-13-and-14-recap/</ref> |
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==References== |
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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, the elderly, [[Service animal|handicapped]] and [[Guide horse|blind]], as they are generally less intimidating 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>[http://www.guidehorse.com/horses_house.htm "Horses in the house."] ''Guide Horse Foundation''. Accessed April 28, 2014.</ref> |
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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> |
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==Controversies== |
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<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> |
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===Horse or pony?=== |
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There is an ongoing debate over whether a miniature horse should possess [[horse]] or [[pony]] characteristics. This is a common controversy within the miniature horse world and also is a hot debate between mini aficionados and other horse and pony breed owners. While technically any member of ''[[Horse|Equus ferus caballus]]'' under {{hands|14.2}} is termed a "pony," many breeds, including some miniature breeds, actually retain a horse [[phenotype]] and their [[breed registry]] therefore classifies them as horses.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} |
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<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> |
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Some miniature horse breed standards prefer pony characteristics such as short, stout legs and elongated torsos, while others prefer ordinary horse proportions.<ref>[http://www.mini-horse.org/mini_horse_history.html Mini Horse History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121182047/http://www.mini-horse.org/mini_horse_history.html |date=2007-01-21 }}{{unreliable source?|date=April 2014}}</ref> Even the name is in dispute, terms such as "Midget Pony" and "Pygmy Horse" used in addition to "Miniature horse" and breed-specific names such as [[Falabella (horse)|Falabella]]. The level of controversy is reflected by the presence of over 30 different registries for miniaturized horses or ponies just within the English-speaking world.<ref>[http://www.mini-horse.org/registries.html List of Miniature Horse Registries] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428092249/http://www.mini-horse.org/registries.html |date=2007-04-28 }}{{unreliable source?|date=April 2014}}</ref> |
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<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> |
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===Dwarfism=== |
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[[file:ThumbelinaByPhilKonstantin.jpg|right|thumb|Thumbelina - a Dwarf mare]] |
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[[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> |
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<!---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---> |
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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}}. Though she has received considerable publicity, her owners have publicly stated that she will not be bred.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409317&in_page_id=1770 "Meet Thumbelina, the World's Smallest Horse,"] ''Daily Mail,'' October 8, 2006</ref> In 2010 a {{convert|6|lb|adj=on}} miniature horse foal named Einstein challenged Thumbelina for the title of the World's Smallest Horse in part based upon the idea that there should be a separate world record category for the smallest non-dwarf horse.<ref>[http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/northeast/view.bg?articleid=1250052&srvc=rss Puny pony creating a buzz on N.H. farm], ''Boston Herald'', retrieved February 8, 2012</ref> |
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<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> |
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===Assistance animals=== |
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[[File:Guide horse.jpg|thumb|upright|A demonstration image of a miniature horse working as a service animal]] |
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{{See also|Guide horse}} |
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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 plus is that some individuals, particularly from [[Muslim]] cultures, consider dogs unclean, but accept horses.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30155540/ns/health-health_care/ Seeing-eye horse guides blind Muslim woman], ''MSNBC'', retrieved February 8, 2012</ref> Opponents of their use raise concerns that miniature horses are [[prey]] animals, with a fight-or-flight instinct that may limit their usefulness, and for legal reasons.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} In the US, where they are legally classified as [[livestock]] and require outdoor stabling for good health, their use is limited to owners with access to a large yard in communities having tolerant land use regulations.<!--cite to articles explaining same--> In terms of practical considerations, they note that it is difficult for even a miniature horse to do things such as lie down in the seat of a taxicab or to stay in a hotel room for extended periods of time.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} |
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<!--good article to work in as a source in this section, balanced... http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10993 --> |
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<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> |
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* [[Miniature cattle]] |
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* [[Guide horse]] |
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<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> |
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==References== |
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<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> |
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*{{cite magazine|title=Miniature Horses|first=R.L.|last=Blakely|magazine=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]|pp=384–393|volume=167|issue=3|date=March 1985|issn=0027-9358|oclc=643483454}} |
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<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> |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.amha.org American Miniature Horse Association] |
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*[http://www.shetlandminiature.com American Miniature Horse Registry] |
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*[http://www.chevalminiature.jimdo.com American Miniature Horse in France] |
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*[http://www.cheval-miniature-afcm.com/ Association Française du Cheval Miniature] |
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* R.L. Blakely (March 1985). Miniature Horses. ''National Geographic'' '''167''' (3): 384–393. {{issn|0027-9358}}. |
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{{refend}} |
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Latest revision as of 19:18, 20 November 2024
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].jpg)
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]
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
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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]- ^ 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.
- ^ Browse by species and country. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed August 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b American Miniature Horse. Lexington, Kentucky: International Museum of the Horse. Archived March 23, 2015.
- ^ Bonnie Hendricks (2007). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 9780806138848.
- ^ History. Bloemfontein: The South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association. Archived August 14, 2011.
- ^ Miniature Horse Facts. Guide Horse Foundation. Accessed April 28, 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Seeing-eye horse guides blind Muslim woman. NBC News. Archived August 1, 2021.
Further reading
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Miniature horse.