That is because most minis are just bred down ponies. There are some mini horses out there but those are the exception and not the norm. 
look here-- i have seen these mini’s in action plenty of times and i love them to bits local tack shop has them come up every year for a display along with a few big neddies be sure to wonder round the web pages
[QUOTE=LostFarmer;3408239]
That is because most minis are just bred down ponies. There are some mini horses out there but those are the exception and not the norm. ;)[/QUOTE]
Absolutely right. Ponytude is most definitely different Ponies are incredibly clever and quick witted and cute is their disguise.
I hate HATE HATE the term “minis” and “VSE”. Its either a miniature horse - which is a distinct purebred falabella or else its a pony becaue of its breeding or type.
I would say though that falabellas are also disadvantaged by being “cute” and hence all too often end up in the ownership of folks who don’t train them as if they’re a horse and then they’re basically untrained, ill-disciplined and bad mannered. THAT might be mistaken for attitude. Though peronally I think that’s more to do with the attitude of the owner than the disposition of the animal. I’d equate that to an untrained, bad mannered, boisterous golden retriever dog. They’re biddable, friendly and playful but if in ownership of someone who doesn’t treat them as a dog and train them they’re the former.
putting it like that i agree normally would call ponies ponies and horses hoses
only sine i been on here cuaght the phrase as a mini
to us in uk you would be talking about a car really not a pony type
Well like I said, the average sized horse suitable for someone my heigt to ride comfortably is what I am used to. Hence why I chose to ask for helping regarding their handling here.
Thank you to those who have offered their help and suggestions, regardless of how I referred to them.
pardon my use of the word “mini”. To me “mini” is miniature horse…but I think I’ll resort to “vertically challenged equine” from now on. I hope that doesnt offend anyone.
Well, I think registered miniature horses (as they are called in the states) are not ponies. They may have been bred down from ponies, but their temperament has also been changed.
As with the purebred Falabella, people originally and (some still do) get these little guys for a “pet.” They ride in the family van, they come into the house and they go on lots of walks with the family and play with children and dogs. (Those people are NOT me!). Anyways, for that purpose the temperament had to be developed differently than your typical very smart pony. “Minis” as we call them are very smart, learn very quickly and are more like dogs in their desire to be around people, than ponies, or horses, generally speaking. That is my experience anyways.
Of course, they are horses in a little suit, but they are easier to get around than horses. They are very capable of being spoiled and being bratty if not treated and taught in the same way as a horse, but they are a different personality, really. I have gotten those brats in for training. First we look at the feeding (don’t need pure alfalfa and lots of grain). I think that you’ll find lots of mini horse show people feed them so they can look as tho they are “jumping out of their skin” like saddlebred horses.
Also, like dogs, they aren’t afraid to use their front feet on you, which are very sharp and can do a lot of damage. Cute to have the foal/puppy jump up on your shoulders. Not so cute when older. The ignorance of the people who think they DO have a puppy is what gives these little horses a bad name. I believe the same is true of ponies to a certain extent. I haven’t had a pony yet who won’t turn into a solid citizen with solid horsemanship methods being used on it.
Good post, Movo
[QUOTE=Empressive Award;3408660]
Thank you to those who have offered their help and suggestions, regardless of how I referred to them.
pardon my use of the word “mini”. To me “mini” is miniature horse…but I think I’ll resort to “vertically challenged equine” from now on. I hope that doesnt offend anyone.[/QUOTE]
Don’t get your knickers in a twist, things are just different in Europe/the Isles (did I say that right? :D) than they are here in the States. It isn’t the abbreviation “mini” that he’s objecting to, it’s the whole concept of a miniature horse being something different from a pony. In a way I agree with him because frankly anything under 14.2h is a pony by definition, but at the same time most of the American Miniature Horses registered in this country bear no physical resemblance at all to the so-called “evil little ponies” he’s used to and it only seems fair to distinguish the difference. (The breed can have its faults, believe me, but they’re different faults.)
I also agree with Movo that their dispositions have been changed through selective breeding. I’ve been around lots of clever ponies (love them!) and the minis have the same tendency to mischief but more of an interest in hanging around with humans socially. Most of the foals will ignore their mothers to crawl in your lap and are always interested in the next great adventure.
I don’t feel calling a registered American Miniature Horse a “mini” is any different than calling a horse who has met the criteria for registration as whatever kind of Warmblood a _____ Warmblood. They met the criteria, they got registered, that registration bestows the right to identify themselves as a such-and-such regardless of what their bloodline is. So what if “mini horse” is a silly title? It’s still a correct and accurate description here in America! :yes:
Thomas, I absolutely agree with the paragraph below.
I would say though that falabellas are also disadvantaged by being “cute” and hence all too often end up in the ownership of folks who don’t train them as if they’re a horse and then they’re basically untrained, ill-disciplined and bad mannered. THAT might be mistaken for attitude. Though peronally I think that’s more to do with the attitude of the owner than the disposition of the animal. I’d equate that to an untrained, bad mannered, boisterous golden retriever dog. They’re biddable, friendly and playful but if in ownership of someone who doesn’t treat them as a dog and train them they’re the former.
We mean Falabellas in the sense that you’re used to them, it’s just that we consider “Falabella” to refer to one specific bloodline from Argentina and not all their crossbred descendents. 
Try telling a Falabella breeder they just have a miniature horse! Ooooh boy will you get an earful!
Leia
unless they’re police dogs:lol:
here in the States a mini really is normally a bred down fine harness shetland …unless they are those pitful mishappen dwarves
our own 10hh-er turns 25 this year having taught 3 Howard Children to ride and drive him...he keeps company with a 13hh 27 yo gelded jack who their mama taught to pack and drive and ride in our youth..having been with me 26yrs...:)
better,finer gentlemen you’ll not meet
