Wondering difference between Mini and Shetland horses

Hi all, I was doing some research on the internet and came across this site and I'm wanting a Mini horse at some time, maybe during this year.

What are the main differences between Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies? And why would you choose one over the other? I'm trying to decide which would fit better. I do have young cousins that come out to my home where I have a couple of acres.

 

Welcome to the forum WantAMini.

Really depends on what you want one for ? A shetland is much stockier. Mine is broken in and is used for pony rides. Both can be used to drive , showing, therapy , companions, hiking etc.

Horses are herd animals, so will need a pasture mate. Maybe theres a local rescue near you , they usually have plenty looking for a second chance

 

Shetland is a breed based on bloodlines. Miniature horse is mostly a height designation, in the US it's under 38" at the last hair of the mane.

 

There are shetlands and then there are American shetlands. The American shetlands are most certainly not more stocky--they are generally more refined and leggy, more big horse proportioned than the majority of Miniatures. Here is one of my Classic American Shetlands--my mini Saddlebred!

 

Gorgeous horse Minimor, if I am ever looking for another, I will contact you!

 

So there are 2 types of Shetland Ponies. I never knew that before. Thanks for that information.

 

Okay, so the minis are by the last hair on the mane. I never would have thought that. Mind boggling for some reason.

 

It makes them seem smaller, as there is usually a difference between last hair measurement and top of the withers measurement; I want to say about an inch, but can be more depending on how prominent the withers are.

 

Okay, I can understand that. And I've heard the term withers before, but I don't know the actual location of a wither. Is it the shoulder blade type of place?

 

Wow, the information. I've been off doing fun things like taking out the trash.

Now to all this information. I'm just astounded that there are two types of Shetland Ponies. And then the 38 inches at the last hair of a mane! Who decided that?

@Minimor, your horse is so beautiful and all the proportions look so good to my eyes. Is he'she allowed to have a peppermint candy treat once in awhile?

 

@Minimor I love the look of your horse. What is that color called?

 

Here's a link with a decent diagram, showing the withers: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_anatomy

 

Thank you for the compliments on my Tim (Plattes Untimely).
LOL yes he gets treats.

He is a chestnut sabino pinto.

 

Anything under 38" at last mane hairs, is considered a miniature. Miniatures are a height breed. It can be a Shetland, or any other breed or mix of breeds. MANY miniatures have Shetland in them and many are registered as both Shetland and Miniature. (AMHA~ 34" or under at the last mane hairs) (AMHR~ 38" or under at the last mane hairs)

 

So I looked at the wiki link and saw the horse. Seems as if the withers is like that bump on the back of our necks at the top of the spine.