6/3/2023 0 Comments Miniature horaeIn contrast, the Shetland Pony originated in the Shetland Islands and evolved to be small, compact and muscular as a result of the tough environment where it lived. They noticed herds of very small horses living among the pampas and gathered a herd of their own to produce tiny horses bred to the same standard, conformation and temperament as full-sized Arabs and Thoroughbreds. This distinction is supported by one of the most recognisable Miniature Horse breeds developed in 19th century Argentina by the Falabella family. The Miniature Horse being selectively bred over centuries from a broad range of horse and pony breeds and the pony breeds evolving from prehistoric times as a result of surviving harsh natural climates and limited food.Īlso, read our fun guide to Smallest Horses and Horse Breeds. So, is how the breeds developed a reasonable distinction between a Miniature Horse and a Pony? Interestingly one of the main source breeds of the Miniature Horse is the Shetland the very epitome of pony characteristics being both short and stocky and very very hairy! How Did the Mini Horse Come About? This is in line with the American Miniature Horse Association’s aim to produce the smallest possible perfect horse so that if all reference to size were eliminated the miniature would have the same conformational proportions of other full-sized light breeds. In comparison, ponies should be shorter, stockier and furrier. ![]() Horses are generally considered to be longer and finer in bone structure with longer necks, smaller heads and are generally less thick in mane, tail and coat. In this case that would relate to the conformation, appearance, and temperament of the breed. Many of the Breed Registries indicate that because the Miniature Horse retains a horse phenotype this classifies them as a horse rather than a pony.Ī phenotype is the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype (the set of genes an individual carries) with the environment. So, as in many things in life-size isn’t everything! Other breeds are pony-sized, such as the Icelandic and Fjord, but called horses despite being of a stockier and more pony like build.Įqually some pony breeds such as the Fell and Galiceno are expected to be finer and lighter in build and smoother in coat than other pony breeds. Small and fine with an Arab type of head and light bone structure it is termed a horse due to its characteristic conformation, gaits and temperament but stands between 10hh and 12hh. It was thought to be extinct until, in 1965, a small number were found wandering along the shore of the Caspian Sea. The Caspian horse is an ancient miniature horse breed of Mesopotamia. The Miniature Horse is not a pony but is defined by its small height which cannot exceed 34 inches. However, certain horse breeds are classified as horses regardless of height. Why are Some Horse Breeds not Considered a Pony? However, a pony is a horse (Equus Ferus Caballus) under 14.2hh or 58 inches is termed a Pony. ![]() ![]() A Miniature should be eager and friendly but not skittish in disposition”. The difference between a Miniature Horse and a pony is based on its size, conformation, temperament and overall build and structure is their size and shape.Īccording to the American Miniature Horse Association, a “Miniature should be a small, sound, well-balanced horse and should give the impression of strength, agility, and alertness.
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