The blood of the American Miniature Horse comes from England & the Netherlands where they were used as mine horses. Their ancestors were brought to North America in the 19th century for use in the Appalachian coal mines.
The Blood of Many
The original miniature horse bloodlines come mainly from Shetland & Dartmoor ponies. However, once brought to the states, there was an attempt to refine them with Hackney, POA and Thoroughbred genetics.
Image from Andreas Blixt
Becoming Legitimate
The American Miniature Horse Association was formed in 1978 to document the American mini as its own breed. Animals had to meet confirmation requirements to be registered.
Because of the variety of bloodlines that contributed to this breed, there are many different confirmation types accepted in the registry. Height and proportion are the two determining factors of registration.
There are two recognized classes today, Division A (under 34″ in height) and Division B (between 34″-38″ in height).
More Information
Learn more about the American Miniature Horse.
American Miniature Horse Association
American Shetland Pony Club
American Miniature Horse
Small Horse Press