Miniature Horses in Argentina are called Falabellas. They are a particular bloodline of Miniatures. There are also Falabellas in other countries now. In Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, Miniature Horses are also called Miniature Ponies or Miniature Shetlands. Many of them came from Argentina and the United States.The American Miniature Horse is a blend of many bloodlines and has become one of the most popular horses available. There are thousands of them registered all over the world and people who fall in love with them can never have "just one"!

The Miniature Horse is known as a "height breed." The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) registers Minis that are 34 inches or under. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) registers Mini in two divisions: "A" Division for horses that are 34 inches and under; and "B" Division for horses that are 34 inches up to and including 38 inches.Other organizations register Minis for racing, for performance, and for show.

So...What Do You Do With Them?

In addition to raising Miniatures to sell, many people train their Miniature to show. Miniatures can be trained to drive and jump; they are very smart and can learn an obstacle course very quickly. Many Miniatures have been taught to do wonderful tricks.

But, above all, Miniatures make wonderful pets and companions. They have proven themselves over and over as Ambassadors of Good Will by participating in exhibitions, parades, and fairs, and reaching out their tiny soft noses to invalids, the elderly in homes, and hospitalized children. Their small size and gentle disposition makes them very attractive to people who might be afraid of a full-size horse. And often older folks who can no longer handle full-size horses find that a Miniature is just the ticket so that they can remain involved with horses.