Overview
What is a miniature horse?
Pony verses mini horse
While some horse lovers refer to miniature horses as ponies, they are not. Horses, miniature horses, and ponies are all members of the horse species, but there are distinct differences in breeds, all related to size.
Miniature horse height
Typically, miniature horses measure about 34-40 inches tall. However, the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) strictly defines miniature horses as less than 34 inches tall measured at the “last hairs of the mane”.
Miniature horses are a distinct breed
Accordingly, miniature horses are a distinct breed of horse as a smaller version of standard, full-size horses. They are horses, nonetheless, and are not ponies. Pony breeds are larger than miniature horses.
As pointed out in an article miniature horses differ from ponies primarily in size, temperament, and build which can be readily seen by a “trained eye”.
Miniature horses were first bred in Europe as pets for nobility in the 1600s and then were exported to the United States in the 1800s. Minihorses are well-known to be people-friendly and can also make them great pets.
As might be expected, however, there can be significant differences in temperament between mini stallions, mini geldings, and mini mares.
Unlike many other domestic pets, miniature horses require a great deal of care at the same level as their larger counterparts, which sometimes results in neglect by under-committed humans.
Adoption of minis as pets and service animals continues to grow as they fulfill roles as family pets, guides for visually impaired, therapy animals, and show horses. Due in part to their small size, they are prone to be overweight or obese due to overfeeding or overgrazing.
Miniature horses growing popularity
Miniature horses are widely popular with children as they quickly learn to love friendly, docile nature of tiny horses.
A great example of child love and affinity to minis is provided by Melissa Kelly, an award winning professional photographer, mini lover, and parent to Cupcake an Cookie.

Cupcake and Cookie, two amazing miniature horses, are not only great pets, but a huge boost to Melissa’s photography business.
Cupcake likes posing as a Unicorn with young children, shown in the picture below, and she is very kid-friendly. To date Cupcake has posed with hundreds of kids and it is evident she enjoys being in the center of attention.

Miniature horses with big hearts
When not working, Cupcake & Cookie ages 9 & 4 respectively, spend their days together hanging out together at their home base (pictured below). As Melissa approaches the coral, Cupcake always runs to greet her, followed by Cookie.
Cookie loves the attention she gets (along with treats of course) when pulling a cart in a city parade in Andover, Kansas (pictured below). In addition to being a fun day, the parade has been a huge boost to Melissa’s photography business.

Although she obviously did not enjoy the ride home, Cookie rode a short distance in the back of Melissa’s Buick (below). Both Cupcake and Cookie were rescued from situations that were not as pet-friendly as the loving care they receive from Melissa.

Important members of the team
Melissa holds the minis in high regard, not only as great pets, but as important members of the family photography business. She also often enjoys visiting and working with the horses to exercise them to keep them fit.
Recently Cupcake and Cookie travelled to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Florida, the largest equestrian center in the world, with the family to participate in equestrian events.
Pictured below, Cupcake loves to cuddle.

Miniature horses in equine therapy
Tens of thousands of people have benefited from miniature horeses in equine therapy. While they are loved by people of all ages, miniature horses are particularly suited in equine therapy for children who identify more with their size.
In addition to dedicated therapy programs, miniature horses are well known for improving emotional well-being and reducing stress with reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. And they are especially useful in building self-confidence in children.
Mini show
Beyond work and play, mini horses are gaining in popularity for show. Below, Melissa shows another one of her beloeved minis, Georgie, at an AMHA (American Miniature Horse Association) show in Oklahoma.

For more information and interesting facts on miniature horses, an article posted by Scott Creek Miniature Horse Farm is linked here.
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