The American Miniature Horse - Unique...Interesting...Versatile...A Class All of Its Own!
 

The American Miniature Horse Registry is the original registry for the Miniature Horse in the United States. Registering as many as 10,000 horses each year and hosting an annual national show, AMHR recognizes two sizes and is the most comprehensive small equine option.

Division "A" Miniatures are up to 34" in height while the Division "B" Miniatures are between 34" and 38" tall. Unlike the majority of most equine breeds, miniature horses are measured at the last hair of their mane rather than at their wither. Miniature horses come in a full spectrum of coat colorings and patterns and (unlike Shetlands), a spotted appaloosa is an accepted and popular coloring in the American Miniature Horse Registry.

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Its Beginnings

The AMHR miniature horse is one of the most interesting and unique equine in existence. Althought their actual history is sometimes debated, the American Miniature Horse developed right along with the 20th century. By the mid 1950's, many pony farms were raising diminutive horses for fun. By the early 1970s, the American Miniature Horse Registry was created by the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., to serve the needs of this growing area of equine interest. Today, the miniature horse is a popular, versatile, well-respected and much-loved animal.
 

Beautiful Smaller Versions

Miniature Horses are bred for superb conformation and outstanding dispositions. The result is a beautifully proportionate little horse that is suitable to a variety of uses. Miniature horses require similar care to their full-sized counterparts but, based on their size, minis require much less space. This makes them more accessible to more people. Dwindling land resources have also contributed to the miniature horses' growing popularity.

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Loved by Children & Adults Alike

Miniature horses have become increasingly popular with both children and adults. These versatile little horses can do just about everything a full-sized horse can do - making them small in size but big in versatility, personality, beauty, strength, and fun! Miniature horses are well suited for everyone from the novice horse person to the consummate show professional. Their roles vary from backyard pet and fun parade entries to gorgeous show horses and therapy horses for persons with special needs or companions to the elderly. Whatever your interest in horses. it is likely there is a miniature horse perfect for the job!
 

In the Show Ring

For those drawn to the competitive side of the breed, miniature horse shows are hosted around the country and attract large numbers of small equine enthusiasts of all ages. Miniatures also often compete successfully at local all-breed open shows and they can be found in the 4-H show ring as well. The AMHR National Championship Show hosted each September in Tulsa, OK, consistently draws more than 1,500 miniature horses from across the United States and Canada, making it the single largest competition for miniature horses. In fact, AMHR Nationals is one of the larger horse shows of any kind in the United States. AMHR-rated shows offer a variety of classes from halter and showmanship to obstacle driving and fun costume to elegant park harness and speedy roadster driving...and everything in between.

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The Horse For Everyone

The popularity of American Miniature horses is a testimony to their endearing dispositions, versatility and practicality. Miniatures are an amazing and stylized yet hardy animal. Whether you have children, or grandchildren, that are new to horses or are wanting to downsize to a version that is more manageable and more affordable than a full size horse - the miniature horse may be just what you are looking for!