Dutch Miniature Explained

Dutch Miniature
Country:Netherlands
Standard:Nederlandse Mini Paarden Registratie Stamboek (in Dutch)
Colour:any
Height:not over 106cm (42inches)

The Dutch Miniature or is a Dutch breed of small or miniature horse. It has been selectively bred to display in miniature the physical characteristics of a full-sized horse, and may stand no taller than .

History

The Dutch; Flemish: italic=no|Nederlandse Mini Paarden Registratie Stamboek, the stud-book for the Dutch Miniature, was begun in 1993. At first it registered horses in two sections, one for miniature horses no taller than, and another for small horses standing up to . The upper section was later divided into two, 'small' for horses standing and 'large' for those .

According to the association, the stud-book listed over horses in 2023. The population reported to DAD-IS for 2022 was ; this figure included breeding mares and stallions. The conservation status of the breed was listed as 'at risk/endangered'.

Characteristics

The Minipaard is expected to display in miniature the physical appearance and proportions of a full-sized riding horse, not those of a pony. The coat may be of any colour. Horses may be of any bloodline or provenance; no horse over in height is eligible for registration.

Use

Miniature horses are kept only as pets or for showing.