Miniature Horses

[Equine|Divine]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any differences between the American and the British miniature horses.

Also, I have been considering getting a mini for some time now, but I recently heard of an american miniature horse having to be put to sleep from a dislocated hip and that they thought it may be an issue resulting from the selective breeding of mini horses. Is this an issue within the breed from how they have been selectively bred? Are there any other health issues? Because of this I have been wondering whether a miniature shetland may be a wiser choice.

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Miniature shetlands are at risk from all the same issues as miniature horses. I'm a big fan of a full up standard Shetland, but I'm not sure what you're wanting to do with the pony.

 

[rabatsa]

Miniature horses can have teeth troubles due to lack of room for them in the mouth.

 

[Gloi]

A lot of the ones I've seen have terrible hind leg conformation and movement. I'd probably look for a slightly bigger Shetland to stand more chance of a sound pony.

 

[Equine|Divine]

Thank you all for your responses.

I think I may go for the Standard Shetland now. They do look beautiful and a lot sturdier in their limbs. I hadn't really considered one before, but I am definitely going to try to find one now. I luckily have a standard stud near me too (Coppice). It works out better as well because a standard would be good as a future lead rein, and possibly first ridden, for my little nephew.

I was originally going to have a mini for myself to take to the MHCGB shows to do performance and showing and then, in the future, buy a Welsh A for my little nephew, but with a standard shetland I can have the both!

 

[Gloi]

Thank you all for your responses.

I think I may go for the Standard Shetland now. They do look beautiful and a lot sturdier in their limbs. I hadn't really considered one before, but I am definitely going to try to find one now. I luckily have a standard stud near me too (Coppice). It works out better as well because a standard would be good as a future lead rein, and possibly first ridden, for my little nephew.

I was originally going to have a mini for myself to take to the MHCGB shows to do performance and showing and then, in the future, buy a Welsh A for my little nephew, but with a standard shetland I can have the both!

That sounds a good idea. If you buy a quality standard Shetland you will have a big choice of in hand and ridden classes and you could always drive him too if that takes your fancy.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Coppice ponies have lovely lovely temperaments, proper kids ponies. They can sometimes be a little light of bone but they usually have pretty heads and move well with a substantial enough body to ride but not hugely wide to make them uncomfortable for tiny tots. And they come in a variety of colours!

As an FYI in the Shetland world anything that isn't black is deemed to be coloured so bays, greys, chestnuts, roans as well as piebald and skewbald are deemed coloured. But only multi coloureds can do chaps classes.

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Great choice! I'm a very recent convert, but I've fallen absolutely head over heels in love with my standard Shetland.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

I love my British Miniature Elsa, she's just a companion for my Mare, so I don't show her. She's quite sturdy and very healthy for 16 y.o. (post 5 foals) but as she's fairly chunky she looks a bit like a Shetland. Lovely nature.