Miniature Horse Federation Inc. shows are open to all miniature horses that fall within MHF height guidleines and registered with a miniature horse association or registry.

The Federation's Constitution & Registry has been designed to raise the standards, quality and ethics in the Miniature Horse Industry and to develop a true miniature horse type breed.

The Federation ask that interested persons read the Federation's Constitution and Registry Rules so they understand what is required of members.

The Federation is a totally unique and refreshing concept within the Miniature Horse Industry, aware of the present and planning for the future of the Miniature Horse Industry.

The future depends on dedicated breeders with genuine breeding programmes designed to improve the Miniature Horse with each new generation bred. It is not enough to only breed for today, and today's fads and fashions. The Federation encourage breeders to evaluate their breeding stock as to their suitability as such and the Registry incorporates a progressive plan into the future to raise the quality of breeding stock and their progeny.

The Miniature Horse, in type, is a miniature version of a light saddle horse, such as the Arabian, Australian Stock Horse and Thoroughbred. He is refined and elegant without any hint of coarseness or pony traits.

The Federation is committed to educate all interested in miniature horses to knowledgeable and responsible breeding practices and all other aspects of owning and caring for miniature horses.

The Miniature Horse stands a maximum 34" at the highest point of the wither. Category A stands over 34" and a maximum 39" at the highest point of the wither.

The Federation acknowledges the importance of the gelding. The Miniature Horse gelding is the ideal introduction to Miniature Horses and horses in general. He has an even temper and patience, not always present in breeding stallions and mares due to hormonal activity. The gelding can be taken anywhere by anyone. He can compete in led classes and the comprehensive range of performance disciplines available for Miniature Horses. These include trail, long reining, lunge line, hunter, show jumping, 6 bar, fault and out, and harness. The gelding can be the perfect horse for a family. With practice, all members of a family from the youngest to the 'more mature', and even the infirm, can compete with the one gelding. The trained, well-handled gelding can turn his 'hoof' to almost anything. The Federation does not consider the gelding as a 'second class' horse. He is of utmost importance. He is the ambassador of the Miniature Horse. A quality gelding can and DOES take out the major award against all comers including stallions and mares.

The Federation use the accepted 'big horse' equivalent rules as a guide to formulating credible show rules applicable for un-mounted Miniature Horses in like events. Miniature Horses are athletes in miniature. A quality horse does not lose it's athletic ability due to diminutive statue. These wonderful horses give much satisfaction to those who train them for led and performance events. Comprehensive classes for all disciplines cater for the novice to the advanced horse and handler. Many owners come from 'big horse' backgrounds of serious competition and find training and competing with Miniature Horses most rewarding.

Miniature Horses come in any colour and coat pattern including the classic solid colours; the dilutes; the double dilutes; the whole range of taffy and dun colours; all the broken coloured pinto patterns; all the spotted patterns; and any other possible colour, pattern or combination a horse may possess. They often have white facial and leg markings. The vast colour and coat pattern range makes the Miniature Horse a fascinating challenge to those interested in specific colour or coat patterns. Breeding a horse with the desired type, conformation and athletic ability without consideration to colour or pattern is a challenge on its own.

Eye colour can be brown, hazel, yellow, clear blue, opaque or parti-coloured. Odd coloured eyes are not uncommon. The Miniature Horse is a true horse with all the requirements and traits of any other horse regardless of size. He is not a dog or a substitute for a dog. He is most happy when kept in a paddock with plenty of space to roam and run, and another Miniature Horse as a companion. Clean cool water, top quality feed, shade from the sun and protection from the extremes of the weather are a must. If he must be stabled or yarded he needs plenty of free exercise every day and access to sunlight. A minimum three hours is recommended. Being a horse he must have basic training to develop good manners.

The Miniature Horse is an ideal horse for many equine pursuits:

• The challenge of serious competition be it led or performance.

• The challenge of breeding a superior individual conforming to MHF standard of excellence.

• The fun of showing, to one's best, a much loved horse.

• The fulfilment of caring for a much loved family pet.

• A child's introduction to the responsibility and joys of horse ownership and competition.

• The simple pleasure of affection and co-operation received from a well cared for and happy horse.

• There truly is a Miniature Horse for all interested in this fascinating breed!!