I got mine by buying racehorses and putting them on a boil wash for half an hour, then an hour in the tumble dryer....it made their hair all frizzy, which is why they are shown clipped out!!
And that was on the little pamphlet I made up, accompanied by a little cartoon, that I gave out at exhibitions, and I think it is as good as any of the "hype" stories I have heard!!
Honestly, they were bred, pretty recently, from small UK Shetlands and Spotted Ponies.
Obviously the Falabella, which had similar roots but earlier, had an influence.
As did the AmShetland...this has been the biggest ongoing influence, I think, and has been responsible for the refinement in recent years.
I have done quite extensive research and can find absolutely NO proof that the "Royal Houses" of Europe had any Miniature Horses, none, and they had lots of pets and quite extensive "Zoos" attached to quite a few courts.
You have also to remember that "small" and "tiny" and "miniature" are all relative .
Traditionally, the Shetland Islands always send down a riding pony for the current monarchs children, the Queen's pony was called "Jock" and he lived in the crate he was sent down in (on the train) for some time as the Royal Mews stables were too large!!
But he was a "Standard" standing 42"....still considered "tiny" by the grooms.
Just my two penn'orth