Hello Melissa,
First let me say that your girls are very cute and you have received some good advice in the previous posts. In my opinion, yes, the first mare pictured is probably a very minimal expression dwarf. Her head is more of an indicator for me than her belly. Dwarfism comes in quite a few different ways and types. One type has the larger, more bulbous forehead and although that looks adorable, it is a dwarf characteristic. Other indicators in your mares, (along with the dam photo posted later) all would make me tend to believe they are at the least, carriers of the dwarf gene. April posted (I believe on page 2) excellent photos of two different types of dwarfs. The first I believe to be an anchondroplasia dwarf which usually is a normal horse above the legs with perfect bite, but the legs do not grow. They also can have other problems. The second is a brachycephalic type dwarf which usually has more severe problems including the pot belly, off bite, bulbous forehead and tinier. We share our lives with both of these type dwarfs as well and love them dearly. Each has their own difficulties and needs, but we address them with confidence, love and guidance including that from our wonderful dwarf mentor, Janell of Little Bit's (who is very knowledgeable about dwarfism and has written some very good articles. We are so thankful for you Janell!).
Should you breed these girls? in my opinion, absolutely not. Their size would scare me but more importantly is the dwarfism, that in my opinion, is evident as I stated, as carriers at the least. Should you decide to part with these precious girls, please consider having them placed with people knowledgeable on dwarfism and where they will never be bred.
Here are photos or our two beloved little spirits who have their forever home with us. The first is an achondroplasia dwarf, Little Joe. The second is our new charge from the Lord, Dolly, a brachycephalic dwarf with my husband on the day she arrived here.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c165/Out...ywithbabies.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c165/Out...Dolly-dave2.jpg