Lazy R Ranch - What Can You Do With a Miniature Horse?
The first question most people new to miniatures ask is: "Yes, but what can you DO with them?" There is plenty to do with a miniature horse, for both adults and children.
They are an excellent first horse for children as they typically do not feel as threatened by their smaller size. They can learn all the proper safety, handling and grooming techniques on a horse they can easily reach and manage. All these skills are immediately transferable when they are ready to begin working with a larger horse.
Miniatures are shown in a variety of events. Halter is, as expected, the most popular show event. However, they are a number of performance classes at which miniature horses excel, including driving, hunter, jumper, and halter obstacle. Miniatures can compete in shows sanctioned by the AMHA, AMHR, and WCMHR based on their registry and can compete in any open show, subject to local show restrictions.
Joshua Roets shows 3 year old Encore Annie Get Your Gun ("Annie") in a Youth Halter Class at a Miniature Horse Show in Fletcher, North Carolina in June 2006
Most folks are very surprised to learn that miniature horses can jump and seem to really enjoy jumping. There are two jump related events at shows -- hunter and jumper. Hunter is based on form and pace over the course with maximum height of jumps of 24". Jumper, on the other hand, places less emphasis on pace while continuing to increase the height of the jump -- 32" in AMHR, 44" in AMHA - taller than many miniatures!
Texas LL Zeus Buck the Stars ("Apollo") and handler, Alison King - Apollo is a 6 year old 32" gelding captured in flight over 30" high jump with a 24" spread
Miniature horses can also be saddle trained for English or Western riding. Some have even been used for barrel racing. Most miniatures can handle up to 70 pounds but it depends on the build of the miniture and the child.
3 year old 35" stallion Sir Archibald -- Archie wanted to be a roping horse when he grew up!
Driving is the pastime many adults particularly enjoy with their miniature horse. Miniatures can pull 1 or 2 adults in a cart. Miniatures can be hitched in teams to pull larger loads. Many older adults discover driving as means to continue enjoying having an equine partner without having the risk associated with riding.
Rocket, 4 year old gelding sold in 2006 to Bull, 9 year old gelding owned by Lazy R Ranch Seagraves Circle S Farms and driven here by Lori Roets
Most folks are very surprised to learn that miniature horses can jump and seem to really enjoy jumping. There are two jump related events at shows -- hunter and jumper. Hunter is based on form and pace over the course with maximum height of jumps of 24". Jumper, on the other hand, places less emphasis on pace while continuing to increase the height of the jump -- 32" in AMHR, 44" in AMHA - taller than many miniatures! 
