Train Your Own Mini - Softcover

Tunstall, Cynthia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1887932151 ISBN 13: 9781887932158

Publisher: Equine Graphics Publishing, 2001

Synopsis

Down-to-earth, easy to understand guide for any Mini owner who wants to "Do It Yourself." Includes conformation, basic training techniques, training a Mini to stand and show in halter classes, trailer loading & unloading, exercise and conditioning techniques, choosing appropriate tack, tips for success in the halter ring, getting a Mini ready to driving, and info on Miniature harness racing. Includes a complete glossary, appendix, index, and many photographs. Written and photographed by Cynthia Tunstall.

About this title

About the Author

Writer and photographer Cynthia Tunstall is a winner of the prestigious Dudley Peebles Award for most outstanding photograph, as well as being the recipient of numerous awards for writing, best column, and best feature story, from 1986 through 1988. Cindy s baptism into the world of Miniature Horses came almost 25 years ago, but a chance meeting at a recent all-breed show in Ocala showed her the remarkable changes in the breed. Captivated by a beautiful yearling Miniature, Cindy was inspired to find out all she could about the breed. To her dismay, she was able to find only a handful of information. Cindy decided to write this book as her contribution to Miniature Horse owners, in hopes that it would provide helpful information for both novice and experienced Miniature Horse owners alike. And, in keeping with her deep feelings for horses, Cindy dedicates this book to her mare, Alieea, and Nikki, her Miniature Horse.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Conformation (Or, You Can t Get There From Here!)

Conformation is the way a Miniature Horse is put together. All parts of the horse should flow smoothly from head to tail. Poor conformation does not necessarily mean that the horse is unsound, but it can lead to unsoundness. "The horse is sound" is a phrase used to describe a horse that is healthy and free of blemishes or any physical imperfections that might lessen its ability to move smoothly and easily. The horse should have a presence that impresses you. But most importantly, you must be sure that the animal is suitable for your goals. When considering the purchase of a Miniature Horse, your primary objective is to decide on your goals before purchasing the horse. Will your Mini be a pet, a show horse, or a pleasure driving horse? Are you interested in racing your horse? If you want a pet, the horse s physical make-up can be less perfect than you would require for a performance, breeding, or racing prospect.

Should the horse be suitable for adults? Or children? If the Mini is for small children, it should be friendly and easy to handle.

Are you thinking about starting a breeding program and selling horses? If you plan a breeding program for show or race horses, you want an animal that is as close to perfection as you can find. For those who want to start a breeding program specifically for racing Miniatures, athletic ability and good conformation are important qualities.

These are questions that should be answered before you buy a Miniature. Unfortunately, many of people don t have the answers first and, after purchasing the horse, find that it falls short of their expectations. When looking for a Miniature Horse, look down the road at your future plans; making these decisions before-hand will enable you to find the right Miniature the first time.

WHAT IS TYPE?

All horse breeds have certain characteristics, or types, which are desirable to some and not to others. Minis are no exception to this rule. Most Miniature Horses are categorized into the refined Arabian type. Another type sometimes seen is the heavier-bodied Quarter Horse or draft horse type. A third type the Harnessbred is registered with the International Miniature Trotting & Pacing Association (IMTPA), a racing registry for Minis.

The Arabian type Mini has a refined body and a beautiful head. These horses have large eyes set low and wide apart, and a head that tapers from the wide forehead into a smaller-than-average muzzle. When viewed from the side, the head appears to be dished rather than flat. Arabian-type Minis carry their tails higher when in motion and their conformation is more graceful and delicate overall.

The Quarter Horse or draft type Miniature is heavier in the body and has a more rounded appearance overall. Stocky and heavy-boned, characteristics of this Miniature Horse type include a broad, short head, a slightly thicker neck, and more powerful hindquarters, which provide more propulsion. This type of Mini is well-known and popular because of its calm and even-natured disposition, and suitability to pulling a cart.

The Harnessbred Miniature Horse, the newest type in the Miniature breed, is still undergoing changes through its evolution to a smaller size. Unlike the other breed types that took years to refine, this specific Miniature type progressed faster, as it was bred from Miniatures that were crossed with smaller trotting horses, such as Hackney Ponies. In the first year of the breeding program, this combination produced foals that matured under 36". Trotting-type ponies have a naturally-extended trotting gait which is usually passed along to the Miniature and is greatly desired for racing. As of April 2005, there were eighty-four registered Harnessbreds in the world.

CONFORMATION BASICS 101

When planning a breeding program, the conformation of the horse will be your first concern. The main conformation points of a horse should be assessed when looking at a prospective purchase. (See Figure 1-1) The Mini should be well-balanced, small, sound and, specifically, fall within the following guidelines.

Head Not excessively long or short, but in proportion to the body. The ears should open forward and be upright and alert. The mouth and teeth should show no signs of overbite or underbite; the teeth should come together evenly. The eyes should be large, bright, alert, and the same color. Muzzle Small, yet not too fine, with large nostrils. Jaw Well-defined, with wide space between the two branches of the jaw. Neck Well-muscled and balanced with the rest of the horse. The throat-latch should be distinct and well-defined; this allows the head to flex at the poll. Chest Deep and full, with long ribs. Legs Straight and free of any physical defects. Hooves Round and compact, in good condition on visual examination, free of cracks, and with a small heel. For Miniature height purposes, the feet should be as short as is possible for an unshod horse. Color Any color and/or marking. Hindquarters The highest point of the hindquarters should be equal with the height of the withers. The tail should round off the rump of the horse, and be set neither too high nor too low. Shoulder Long and sloping to allow the horse freedom of movement; the forearm should be well-developed. Unacceptable conformation points can vary, depending on the registry. For registration in the "A" Division of the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR), horses cannot measure over 34"; for the "B" Division, horses must not be taller than 38". For registration in the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA), the height must not exceed 34". Other points considered as faults are blindness, dwarfism, cryptorchidism or monorchidism in stallions, or any other unsoundness.

Edition details

• Publisher: Equine Graphics Publishing
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1887932151
• ISBN 13: 9781887932158
• Binding: Paperback