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We all know gorgeous horses to be these majestical, strong, large animals that like to gallop through meadows freely, leaving the spectator in awe of their grace. But if because of their frightening size you'd rather adore them from afar, we have found a solution to your quite rational fear - mini horses.

Miniature horses were developed around the 1600s in Europe and were usually kept as pets by the nobility. They grow up to 97 cm in height measured by the withers (the part of the neck where last mane hairs grow) and are very friendly towards humans, often filling in for assistance dogs. 

These cute mini horses are not actually a breed, as a few horse breeds can be called Miniature horses because of their height - such as Falabella or the South African Miniature horse. Since these miniature steeds are too small to be ridden even by children, they can be trained for driving, agility, or just spend their days as a family pet and companion animal being as adorable and beautiful horses as they are.

Below, we have compiled a list of the most fluffy, cute mini horses that could melt even the most hardened heart. And no, these pretty steeds are not baby horses or foals; these are full-grown beasts!

P.S.: If you are seriously considering buying a miniature horse to keep as a pet, remember that this is still a horse that needs plenty of space for grazing and can still show natural fight-or-flight instincts. So, as with every other kind of pet, prior knowledge of equine facts and needs is required!

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A Pony vs. Mini Horse - What Are The Differences?

At first glance, a pony and a mini horse are essentially the same thing - a small horse. But that’s where the similarities end! 

Anything between 14.2 hands or 57 inches (145cm) in height can be called a pony, while a mini horse is never taller than 34 inches at the withers. However, don’t let their diminutive size fool you into thinking these miniature horses are basically fluffy balls of neighs and whinnies. In fact, mini horses and even dwarf mini horses were bred to resemble large horses, just on a much smaller scale. Meaning, while a pony might be a rotund creature with luscious locks and quite short legs, a miniature horse will always keep the proportions of a large horse - longer legs and leaner stature. 

So, if this were a Beginner’s Guide to pony vs. mini horse, this is how it would go: 

  • If the horse you’re looking at is small, with short legs, is rotund in form, and has a short, stocky neck, then it’s a pony;
  • If the horse you’re looking at is no higher than 34 inches at the withers but has quite long legs, an elegant physique, does not look like a round ball of fluff, and has an expressive neck - it’s a miniature horse!
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#5

Just A Mini Horse

A person in a sweater holds and nuzzles a cute mini horse in a snowy landscape.

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BAnnKriquetteSimpson-Chappelle
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Precious, maybe it is good I don't have one! I would sit and hold it all the time and it would never learn to walk!

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#6

Mini Horse

Cute mini horse trotting in a green pasture, surrounded by wooden fence.

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Rism
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mini but so charismatic with long black shiny hair :D

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What Care Does A Miniature Horse Need? 

To answer this question, you have to look at this animal’s name, where all the things you need to know about it are coded in one single word - horse. So, don’t let these tiny horses fool you with their adorable looks, for they are still the very same fierce mustangs, just in smaller packages!


How Long Do Mini Horses Live? 

Before we go to actual care, you first need to know the lifespan of these mini beasts. And this might surprise you, but they can live up to 30 years, just the same as their larger counterparts! In fact, these little horses usually live well over their thirties, so if you do decide to get one of your own, know that they’ll be together with you for the better part of your own life. Which is always a good thing in our book!

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What Do Mini Horses Eat?

All the same things their bigger brother does! The main component of any horse’s diet is good quality grass and hay, supplemented with oats and various grain mixtures if needed. They also enjoy an occasional treat of carrots, apples, and other horse-safe vegetables and fruits. 

However, as with any horse, the diet has to be monitored closely to fulfill each individual animal’s needs and health condition. 

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Where Do You Keep Miniature Horses?

These cute miniature horses might fool you into thinking they’re similar to lapdogs, but that’s just not the truth - mini horses need to be kept together with companions of the same species, preferably with large spaces to graze and be as close to their natural environment as possible. However, if you can provide all that in your own backyard, then you can absolutely keep a pair of these tiny horses at home!

Curiously enough, although we’ve domesticated horses thousands of years ago, they’re still pretty wild with their herd-bound qualities and love for large spaces to move around! 

#10

My Vet Friend Rescued A Abandoned Baby Mini Horse

Cute mini horse standing in a car interior, showcasing its small size and adorable features.

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SherryStraus
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why have such an adorable thing and abuse it?? beyond me.So happy someone has taken control and now will treat him/her well!!

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Do Miniature Horses Have A Purpose?

Of course they do! First and foremost, to look unbearably cute, break your heart into a thousand pieces with their adorable whinnies and snorts, and be your four-legged therapist whenever you need it. 

On a more serious note, though, miniature horses were bred to be kept as pets, so that’s their main purpose. Being too small to be ridden, they nevertheless excel in driving and agility shows!


Are Miniature Horses Good Pets? 

Absolutely! That is if you have sufficient experience in owning and taking care of horses. As we’ve mentioned before, these tiny horses are the same in their behavior and needs as large breed horses. Meaning, that they still have their fight or flight instinct; they need herd companions, constant visits from the farrier and the vet, and sometimes even a horse chiropractor! 

That said, if you can provide all the essential care and you know your way around horses, the bond you can form with these tiny beasts is something incredible, and once they get to trust you, you two will become inseparable for plenty of years to come.

#14

Little And Big Friends

A child in a cowboy hat rides a mini horse beside a larger horse in a park.

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#18

Mini Horse With Dog

Cute mini horse walking beside a large dog on a grassy lawn.

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#20

Tiny Horse Sleeps With His Teddy Bear

Mini horse sleeping on hay beside a large teddy bear in a cozy setting.

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#21

My Mom's Mini-horse Got Into The House And Stole A Banana

Mini horse reaching for bananas on a kitchen counter.

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#22

Best Friends

A girl joyfully interacts with a cute mini horse on a grassy field.

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#23

Real-life Cute My Little Pony Mr P.

A mini horse wearing a green coat stands next to a larger horse in an outdoor arena.

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#24

Tiny Fuzzy Horse

Cute mini horse laying on grass with its tongue out, showcasing its fluffy mane and small size.

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#26

Baby Enstein - A Tiny Miniature Horse

A woman smiles while measuring an incredibly cute mini horse with a ruler in a grassy field.

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#27

Mini Horse And Mini Human - So Cute I May Cry

Child running on grass with a cute mini horse, wearing red boots, adding charm to a sunny outdoor scene.

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#28

Rembrandt And Little Sundance Share The Pedestal

Woman posing with a large horse and a cute mini horse standing on a small platform.

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#30

Mini Horse Nay-bors

Mini horses running and playing in a grassy field, showcasing their adorable and lively nature.

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Skye Iron
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of these aren't actually mini horses. They are mini ponies. A mini horse looks like a small version of a horse and while the "official" classification for a pony is 14.2 hands and under, this is a completely human concept. Ponies are pot bellied with thick necks and short heads with short legs disproportionate to their body. A horse is more streamlined and proportionate. There are many HORSES that are under 14.2 hands and are classified as ponies but have the physical structure of and therefore ARE horses despite what so-called "horse professionals" say. There aren't many actual ponies that actually reach 14.2 hands.

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#31

Mini Horse In The Ring

A young girl with a cute mini horse in an outdoor pen.

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#33

Scooby Boo The Mini Horse And Bear The Newfie Visiting Elderly

Mini horse with blue harness and sneakers standing next to a large black dog indoors.

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#34

Mini Horses Playing Follow The Leader

Rider on a white horse with two mini horses following in a grassy field.

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#35

Nap Time For Shiloh Buck Skin Appaloosa 11 And 1/2 Lbs. At Birth

Mini horse sleeping under a colorful blanket on a patterned rug.

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#37

Brittish Spotted And American Miniature Mix And Me! Her Name Is Doll. And Yes Her Mane Is Curly

A woman kneels in a grassy field, interacting with a cute mini horse on a leash.

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#38

A Little Girl With Her Little Horse

A child in a purple jacket leads a cute mini horse by a red rope in an indoor arena.

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