HISTORY OF MINIATURE HORSES

As told by Melitta Tyzzer

I don't believe that their origin can be traced back to one particular point in time and certainly not to any particular breeder. The modem day among mini enthusiasts, a subject that can lead you on many varied paths. miniature horse that we see today is a result of a combination of the theories and factual evidence that can be found combined with careful select breeding by many enthusiasts from around the world. The exact history of miniature horses is a subject of much debate

      The earliest known records of very small horses date back to 1650 AD. These records were found at the palace of King Louis XIV at Versailles where he kept a collection of unusual animals, including miniature horses. There is much evidence showing that these little horses were bread for the royal families of Europe in the 18 th century.

       In a totally separate environment the Falabella miniature was developed in Argentina around 1868. The original developer of these horses, Patrick Newell passed on his breeding methods to his son in law before his passing. It was his son in law Juan Falabella who continued on the passion introducing other horses into the mix including Welsh Mountain ponies, Shetland's and even small thoroughbreds. After a select breeding plan, inbreeding and I suspect a lot of experimental mating's he was able to establish the Falabella , Producing little horses that bred true to type and were of a consistently small size. In 1962 the Falabella family sold some of their miniatures to the Kennedy family. The notoriety of this sale had a domino effect in the US and these little horses began to gain popularity.

       Miniatures weren't always pampered pets of royal families they were also used to pull carts in coal mines with these activities dating back to 1765 in England and North Europe .

       I was told a great story of how the Kings and Queens of Europe had miniature horses in their castle court yards for the children to play with. When Britain decided to invade King Arthur ordered the slaughter of these animals but the care takers did not have the heart so they secretly whisked them away to the nomadic gypsies so as to preserve them.

       I'm sure there is truth in many a type of story but if you feel as though your curiosity is not satisfied you could do a search on the internet, Just type in Miniature Horse History.

    In 1972 an American Registry was formed and a few years later a full studbook was started and the breed standard was established. In Australia Miniature Horse Associations began to form in the late 70's early 80's. In 1989 The MHAA was started (Miniature Horse Association of Australia). A Progressive association that holds shows all over Australia with a committee in each State. These committees organize shows, news letters, training days, and are their to help with new and existing members. Each year hundreds of members gather with their best horses for a National Show. The committee also helps with any enquiries about the care of miniature horses for pets.