E3laan Horse Blankets

Miniature Horse Blankets

When most of us start out learning about horses, we are told that a horse is a member of Equus " caballus that is over 14 hands high (a hand, we quickly learned, is 10 cm). A pony, on the other hand, was defined as a member of the same species that was less than 14 hands. Now, miniature horses are always much smaller than 14 hands, so why are they called miniature horses rather than ponies?

The answer lies in the proportions. Most ponies are cobby in build (rounded and stocky - think of drawings by the cartoonist Thelwell), while many breeders of miniature horses (often affectionately referred to as "minis") prefer to breed for proportions that are more like that of a "regular" horse. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) suggests that a "mini" is ideally "a small, sound well-balanced horsethat, if photographed without anything to give a sense of size, should look identical to a full-sized horse.

As expected, size matters. The AMHR recognizes two categories of miniature horses: those in the "A" division are less than 82 cm (34 inches) at the withers, which is defined as being the last hair of the mane, while the "B" category covers horses 34-38 inches at the withers. The American Miniature Horse Association, however, does not recognize horses over 34 inches. A miniature horse is always measured in centimeters or inches, but never in hands.

If they were measured in hands, the largest "minis" would be around 8 or 9 hands (by way of comparison, an average Shetland pony measures 10 hands). "Minis" come in all color types, including the more exotic types like pinto and palomino as well as the more mundane bays, greys and chestnuts. Whatever size of color they are, miniature horses have been in the world for a surprisingly long time.

In the Renaissance and Restoration periods, they were occasionally found in private menageries as curiosities. At the other end of the economic spectrum, miniature horses also had their uses as pit ponies hauling coal in the mines.

There are also some who hold the view that some of the fossilized horse remains classified as ancestors of Equus caballus are actually the fossilized remains of "minis." There may be some uncertainty about the dating, but the fossils certainly have the right size and skeleton structure.

Since the 20th century, miniature horses have been developed as a breed and refined to the animals that they are today, and this work is ongoing. The most widely known breed of miniature horse is the Falabella, which originated in Argentina.

"Minis" are still kept as curiosities in petting zoos and farm parks, but they also have a wider range of roles. They are, of course, unsuited as riding animals, because of their size, but are often shown competitively and can be used for light harness work. Their most noteworthy work is therapeutic, as they are often used to provide interaction and comfort to the elderly, and in working with autistic children.

For more information on horses, try visiting http://www.interestinghorses.com - a website that specializes in providing horse related tips, advice and resources including information on the miniature horse

Hamilton Miniature Horse Halter $22.95 A great halter in miniature size, the Hamilton Miniature Horse Halter is made of high quality nylon and is fully adjustable to give your miniature the best fit.

Horse Blankets Tie by Alynn Novelty - Yellow Silk $44.95 Great style and quality are two characteristics that come to mind when someone mentions Alynn Neckwear. Why not treat yourself or any horse lover to the Horse Blankets men's necktie? With construction of fine silk threads, this men's tie features horses wearing many different blankets to keep them warm! Against a sunny yellow background, the blankets pop with color. Exclusively from the Alynn equestrian collection.

Horse Blankets Tie by Alynn Novelty - Red Silk $44.95 Great style and quality are two characteristics that come to mind when someone mentions Alynn Neckwear. Why not treat yourself or any horse lover to the Horse Blankets men's necktie? With construction of fine silk threads, this men's tie features horses wearing many different blankets to keep them warm! Against a bright red background, the blankets pop with color. Exclusively from the Alynn equestrian collection.

Miniature Horse Mousepad by CafePress $13 Adorable Miniature Horse design with clever text lets you to promote your favorite breed with style. Horse Mousepad Keep your mouse rolling in style on our durable cloth top mousepad. A great gift for geeks, gamers, or anyone with a computer. Rubber backing prevents the mousepad from sliding. Machine washable.

Intrepid Miniature Horse Lunging Surcingle $28.95 Perfect to have on hand for training sessions, the Intrepid Miniature Horse Lunging Surcingle will tone your miniature and make him more responsive to the aids. The surcingle is adjustable on both sides and features a number of rings for side reins and attachments.

Intrepid Miniature Horse Shipping Boots $50.95 Protect your miniature during transport with the Intrepid Miniature Shipping Boots. These boots are designed with the same quality and durability as horse shipping boots. Each boot is designed to fit each leg and fastens with secure velcro closures.

Miniature Horse Mug by CafePress $15 Adorable Miniature Horse design with clever text lets you to promote your favorite breed with style. Horse Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Intrepid Miniature Horse Belly Sweat $21.95 Use the Intrepid Miniature Horse Belly Sweat to help your miniature look his best before shows or competition. The Belly Sweat is designed to help relieve the big belly look many minis develop by sweating weight in that area. It works in the same way you would use a neck sweat on a horse.

White Horse with Colorful Ribbons and Pack Blankets, in Lo Monthang, Mustang $34.99 Stephen Sharnoff White Horse with Colorful Ribbons and Pack Blankets, in Lo Monthang, Mustang - Photographic Print

Intrepid Miniature Horse Fleece Cooler $28.95 Perfect for competition or the body clipped miniature the Intrepid&reg Miniature Horse Fleece Cooler will keep your mini warm after baths and heavy workouts.  This fleece cooler is luxuriously soft with a tapered neck for a better fit.  You mini will be both warm and stylish The Miniature Horse Fleece Cooler comes with a tail piece and closed front. It is designed to fit all minis 

Intrepid Miniature Horse Fly Mask $7.16 Finally  A fly mask designed just to fit your miniature horse  The Intrepid Mini Fly Mask is not just a sized down horse mask. It is proportioned appropriately for adult miniature horses. Mesh body with soft edging.  Hook and loop closure.

Intrepid Miniature Horse Velcro Splint Boots $9.95 Give your miniature horse supreme protection during turnout or schooling with the Intrepid Miniature Horse Velcro Splint Boots. Made with the same quality and durability as horse sized splint boots, these boots will keep your miniature protected all year round.

Intrepid Miniature Horse Nylon Halter $15.95 Economical and stylish, the Intrepid Miniature Horse Nylon Halter is great for any mini. Made for quality and durability, this halter has double crown buckles make this fully adjustable halter sized to fit a number of minis.

Tough-1 Miniature Horse Polo Wraps Black $10.99 Tough-1 Miniature Horse Polo Wraps A quality bandage for racing, hunt, polo and shipping. They are designed to fit the miniature horse. Elastic support combined with fleece. Quick-grip" closure and packaged in a set of 4.

Tough-1 Miniature Horse Polo Wraps White $10.99 Tough-1 Miniature Horse Polo Wraps A quality bandage for racing, hunt, polo and shipping. They are designed to fit the miniature horse. Elastic support combined with fleece. Quick-grip" closure and packaged in a set of 4.

Tough-1 Miniature Horse Sport Boots Black $19.99 Tough-1 Miniature Horse Sport Boots One piece design provides extra support. Protect your miniature horse with these neoprene sport boots. Quick-grip" closures keep the boots firmly in place without fatiguing the fabric.

Tough-1 Miniature Horse Splint Boots Black $9.99 Tough-1 Miniature Horse Splint Boots Neoprene splint boots with suede outer panel. Quick grip" closure attachment.