Sunset Mountain Miniatures
© 2004-2017 Sunset Mountain Miniatures
About Minis
Early European Miniature Horses
One of the first references to a miniature horse was a reference in
Gentlemen's Magazine published in London in 1765. The horse was
a black stallion measuring 30 inches tall from the Shetland Island
near Scotland. For the next 80 years they were considered
novelties and bred by European royalty and landed gentry as pets.
In 1847 an act of Parliament outlawed the use of children in mines.
Since many mine shafts were too low for even a small adult to
stand upright in there was an instant boom in demand for small
horses that could pull mining carts.
Argentine Miniature Horses
The Falabella family of Argentina became interested during the
late 1800s in the research and breeding of miniature horses.
Patrick Newell (the great grandfather of Julio Caesar Falabella)
first started the breeding of the miniature horses. The plan was to
develop an equine the size of pony, but with the conformation and
disposition of a horse.
The knowledge of breeding for miniature horses was recorded and
passed from Patrick to his son-in-law Juan Falabella, who in turn
passed the program onto his son Emilo Falabella, and then onto
his son Julio Falabella. Thus began the breeding of Falabella
horses.
The family selectively chose the horses for breeding by using the
smallest mares with the smallest stallions, thus resulting in each
generation becoming smaller. Breeding programs continue today
producing many horses under 30 inches. Some of today's
American Miniature horses can trace at least some of their
ancestry to the Argentina Falabella horse breed.
Miniature Horses in the United States
In 1888 the American Shetland Pony Club began registering
Shetland Ponies in America. Most American Miniature Horses are
descendants of the Shetland Pony. Some American Miniature
Horses are also partially descended from Argentina Falabellas;
especially those with appaloosa spot markings.
Care and Feeding of Miniature Horses
Miniatures are generally easier to handle than their larger full-
sized cousins and are less expensive to care for. Their average life
span is 25 to 30 years. Their diet consists of hay, grass and grains.
Adult miniatures weigh between 150 and 350 pounds. As a rule a
single miniature horse eats approximately one fourth of what their
full-sized cousins eat. Miniature horses usually do not wear horse
shoes. However their little hooves must be trimmed by a qualified
farrier every 8 to 12 weeks. It is possible to house-break them, but
they are usually happier playing outside. They require vaccinations
once a year, and must be wormed every 6 to 8 weeks. Weaning
occurs at about 4 months, when they receive the first vaccinations.
What Can You Do With A Miniature Horse?
Miniatures perform in the show ring in halter contests, as driving
horses, and in performance classes such as hunter and jumper.
These animals are extremely strong and can pull carts or wagons
that have two or even three adults on board. Only small children
who weigh less than 60 pounds should ride miniatures. Miniatures
also perform in cute costume contests, and in exciting "horse
dancing" programs known as "Liberty". Showmanship contests
and contests with obstacle courses (both halter and driving) are
also held.
As a breed these horses are very gentle in temperament and make
superb pets and companions. Since the lifespan of a miniature
horse can be 30 years or more these four-legged friends can be
around for a long time. They are often used in nursing homes and
as therapy animals. They are well suited to those who may be
allergic to other animals. Miniatures have even been trained as
guides for the blind and visually impaired
(http://www.guidehorse.com).
254-592-6815