Every horse lover knows that horses can come in all shapes and sizes, and the Miniature Competition is a perfect example of how the stature of a horse does not demean their skill, ability or innate elegance. The modern day Miniature Horse enthusiast is able to compete their animals in most riderless equine competitions.
The Miniature horses that compete today are the product of careful selected breeding from Miniature admirers the world over. The earliest known records of very small horses date back to the 1600's. King Louis XIV of France kept a menagerie of unusual animals at court at Versailles which was supposed to include Miniature Horses, and there is some evidence that the Royal Families of Europe bred these horses during the 18th century. In South America, selective breeding produced the Falabella miniature around 1868.
The Miniature Horse stands a maximum of 34 inches (8.2 hands or 86 centimetres) at the last hair of the mane, any horse over 34 inches and a maximum of 38 inches (9.2 hands or 95.50 centimetres) at the last hair of the mane will be classified as a Small Horse. Whilst this may seem small and toylike, there are many more applications for the modern Miniature than purely ornamental. There are a wide range of competitions for them to participate in.
Many Miniature owners choose to show their horses in halter classes, where they will be marked on their conformation and movement, much like the larger show horses. They can also compete in jumping disciplines, such as the six bar jumping (six jumps in a row which increase in size) and the Fault and Out (a timed competition over a maximum of six numbered jumps). Aside from these popular events, Miniatures can compete in Ground Driving or Harness classes, obsacle events such as Trail, and timed events such as cone bending.
Contact:
Rob Lester - MHAA Victorian State Delegate
Ph: (03) 59 975377
Email:
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For a EQUITANA Melbourne Minature Horse Class Schedule please click here
