Feature
Miniatures:
Minimal Horse - Maximal Fun!
Apart from being a great companion animal (and a cute lawnmower!) there are many ways to enjoy your miniature and help them lead a fun, active life.
From breed shows, jumping, trail, to harness and teaching them tricks there are so many ways to have fun with your mini.
Breed Shows
Photo credit KDS Photographics.com
With miniatures becoming more and more popular, nearly every equestrian breed show has a class for them.
The miniature is generally shown in a halter, and you will get to parade around the ring in front of the judge with the other competing miniatures. You are then asked to line up and present your mini standing straight so the judge can view its conformation. You will then be asked by the judge to do an individual walk & trot workout, and then the judge will make their decisions and hand out the placings.
Trail Classes
Designed to test the mini's ability and willingness to obey the handlers commands, the course is set using a series of obstacles which may include items such as a 'bridge', tarp, & a gate.
Each competitor must take their mini through the course as set by the judge. The judge awards placings based on manners, performance and style, responsiveness of the mini, as well as competence of the handler.
Jumping
Jumping is great fun, and keeps your mini fit and his mind active. Best of all it is easy to set up a practice course at home so you can improve for the next competition.
Hunter Classes
A jumping event judged on style, manners and the mini's way of going as well as jumping faults. A minimum of four obstacles set low (8-16 inches) and only one round of jumping per competitor.
Showjumping Competitions
Very similar to the ridden event of the larger horse, but set on a 'mini' scale. The average course is a minimum of 4 jumps arranged in a course, with each jump to be jumped clearly (no refusals or knocked rails) to qualify for the next round. Each new round, the jumps are raised and one jump removed until only 2 jumps are remaining. The jumps will continue to be raised until only one horse is left with a clear round or has reached the maximum jump height of 42 inches. Placings are then awarded based on clear rounds and minimal fault points.
Six Bar Competitions
Again very similar to the ridden events of the larger horse, with 6 jumps placed in a row so that they can be jumped in a straight line. Generally each jump is slightly higher than the previous one, and if more than two horses have a clea round then the jumps are raised. Placings are awarded on clear rounds and minimal fault points.
Fault And Out Competitions
Only one jump is used and each time the fence is jumped clear, it is raised, until only one horse jumps the final height.
Lungeline Classes
This event tests the mini's ability to display correct fluent movement within the three gaits. Each mini must be shown to the judge while working on a lungeline in each of the three gait, preferably in each direction.
Long Reining Classes
The collected movements of a mini in long reins enables the judge to assess the balance, intelligence and conformation. Long reining is similar to harness driving, just without the harness, and the 'driver' standing behind the mini maneuvering them with their voice and long reins.
Harness
Harness is a great way to keep your pony active and fit, and it also gets him 'out and about'.
Harness Classes
The beauty of harness is that a full grown adult can be interactive with their mini. The judge looks at overall presentation, balance, conformation and movement.
Fancy Dress
Win those fancy dress competitions with a super cute mini!
Most shows now have a fancy dress class where the only thing holding you back is your imagination!
Teaching Tricks
Whether it is nodding yes or shaking its head no, bowing or counting, or standing on a pedestal, training your mini to do tricks can be quite easy as they love to learn and do it well.
A wonderful demonstration of a mini hug.
How about a kiss?
Soccer skills
Shaking "hands"
Smile for the camera!
Rear on command
Teaching to sit - difficult but rewarding!
For more information on Miniature Events held in WA, please contact:
National Miniature Register. Inc
The Independent Miniature Horse Registry Inc (IMHR)
Miniature Horse Association of Australia Inc.
http://www.mhaa.com.au/