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Miniature Horses
A much more intense debate in the horse world is what defines a miniature
horse. The debate surrounds whether a miniature horse should be retain the
dimensional characteristics of a pony or dwarf like proportions with very short
legs and a large body. There are certain breeds that possess these pony like
proportions and there are other who have the dwarf look, The pony look may be
more pleasing to the eye, but the "pygmy horses" as they are generally know are
stronger. The miniature horse world associations, of which there are a few, are
concerned with the issue of dwarfism and have begun to gradually ease out the
breeds that are based on these characteristics. They are doing so through
refusing to accept new breeds which have been genetically developed through
dwarfism for registration as a breeding stock.
One thing to consider is where your horse is going to live. In some
places of the country, it is perfectly acceptable to have the horse turned loose
in a large pasture but many times a horse must be boarded or stalled.
Fencing is important; it must be safe for the horse and it must contain the
horse. Be aware if the fence rails are not low enough to the ground or are
two far apart that a mini could squeeze between or roll under. If the
horse is in a stall, consider the walls. A regular horse box stall may not
be the best option as a mini cannot see out. The space where the mini
lives should measure at least 10 by 10 feet, but if a horse is to be stalled in
such a small area they must be able to be worked or turned out daily. Many
people think that since minis are so small they can easily be kept in a small
back yard, but make sure that they can be turned loose to run and roll every
day! Also, if the horse is alone in a residential setting, the horse may
pick up many behavioral problems because it cannot socialize and interact with
other horses. If your horse must be kept alone, consider getting some
other sort of animal like a goat to keep it company. Unless you keep the
horse on your own property, expect monthly horse board to be at least
£100.
To help create a strong breeding program, even if it is a single foal you
plan to breed... the key is PLANNING. Decide what exactly you are breeding
for. No breeder will ever create a "perfect" animal... but they can get
close to achieving a reasonable goal. As a breeder, are you going to
attempt to breed the best driving animals, or animals that are best conformed
for Halter? Maybe it is a little more specific... maybe you want to breed
halter quality, arabian-type leopard appaloosas. Whatever it is... select
the very best stock to start with that you can afford. It is probably best to
start out with less, higher quality animals than to stretch your dollar to buy
more, mediocre quality animals. Do be careful when breeding for color, as
it becomes easier to ignore structural faults in favor of color, which is one of
the least important qualities.
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