What is a Miniature Horse?   

    The American Miniature Horse is a true horse and a unique breed the origin of which may be traced to several sources. They are used in England and Northern Europe as early as 1765 to pull ore carts in the coal mines.
   They were also bred as pets for the royal families of England and often passed from one sovereign to another as diplomatic tokens of good will. When the power and wealth of royalty began to decline, a few of these horses found their way into the traveling circuses of Europe.
   The miniature horse is a scaled-down model of the full-sized horse and can measure no more than 34" at the withers at maturity. The American Miniature Horse Standard of Perfection calls for the smallest, most perfectly conformed horse as the breed ideal. They come in all possible colors: Pintos, Appaloosas, Buckskins, and Palominos, as well as, the more traditional colors. The breeding of these exotic little horses is an endeavor which has occupied (and still does) generations and the life times of both men and horses.

What Type of Care is Required for Miniatures?   

    The miniatures require much the same care as a standard size horse except in smaller quantities. One acre of grazing is suggested for two miniatures, but it is possible to keep one in a good-sized back yard with supplemental feeding. The miniatures need their shots, feet trimmed, and a good consistent deworming program. Because of their size, people tend to over-protect them but they are just as hardy as any other equine with regard to weather conditions. They need to be groomed as often as possible and love this attention. They give so much and ask so little.

What Are the Uses of Miniatures?

   Because of their gentle, affectionate nature and small size, a miniature horse is an excellent pet. It is not uncommon to have a little nose nuzzling you as you try to go about your work in the barn and pasture. The foals are particularly lovable as they normally range between 17" and 22" in height at birth. Many an owner (including the Valhalla Farm crew) has yielded to the temptation to pick up a foal like a baby and "rock away."
   Often the owners of full-sized horses purchase miniatures because they want their children to love, know how to care for, and learn to ride, before they are ready for even the most gentle big horse. As a child outgrows riding the miniature, it can be trained for pleasure driving. Miniatures easily pull a cart or small wagon with children and/or adults.
   The foals are in great demand and command good prices. The demand far exceeds the yearly supply of foals. A miniature mare "cycles" ever three to four weeks just as a standard size horse and the gestation period is also the same, eleven months.

Please call for sales information or to arrange a visit to the farm.

410-857-MINI (6464)