Shetland VS Miniature horse?

Question

Whats the difference between shetlands and minis? Or is there no difference at all? Just wondering, i dont show either one.

Answer 1

They are very different!!!! Read these sites to learn about both of the breeds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_po...

http://www.shetlandminiature.com/

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horse...

http://www.equiworld.net/uk/horsecare/Br...

Minis

http://www.amha.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_h...

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horse...

http://www.smallhorse.com/

Answer 2

Shetlands are larger.  The american breed has been bred to be more showy and horse like while the older ones are built more on the heavier pony style.

There are many types of mini's.  One line comes from the shetland and is a stocky draft like breed.  These are now considered abundant and do not sell for high dollars despite the registries claims.  The falabella line is still quite expensive though.  This line is more horse like and comes from the falabella from Argentina.

And of course there is a whole bunch that have both lineages as well as the lineages of other small pony breeds.

Answer 3

A shetland is more heavily built, and is generally larger than a mini.  They can also carry more weight.

Answer 4

a mini is a small horse, with everything in the same proportion as the larger version.

Shetlands are a completely different breed. they have short legs and big round bodies.

Answer 5

Well, it's like saying what's the difference between two breeds of similar looking dogs...

There are a lot of stereotypes...when one thinks of a Shetland Pony in the states, the short legged, fat bodied, fuzzy maned mischevious pony comes to mind.  But this is a picture of a shetland...

http://www.weedreamfarm.com/shetlandpony...

And here is a registry's site for shetland miniatures...

http://www.shetlandminiature.com/classic...

When you think "mini horse" and people say minis are proportionately like horses more than ponies, I'd say this is the ideal...

http://littlekingfarm.com/

or this..

http://miniaturehorses.tripod.com/

But this is what a lot of people get:

http://www.ballerhouse.com/2008/02/19/ev...

One of the tragic results of breeding small to smaller and smaller is the high number of dwarfs produced.  It isn't just like "Little Ponies, Big World..." There are a host of medical complications and their lives are very, very short and can be very painful without proper treatments/euthanasia.

Answer 6

The Shetland pony originates from the Shetland Isles, and as such is a very substantial but small pony, with a height at maturity of no more than 42 inches.  For a height to pulling power ratio, they are the strongest of all equines - and my daughter's 10h pony easily carries me.  They are fantastic little ponies, if treated correctly.  For more info on the breed, take a look at the society's website - http://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.c... - the picture at http://www.shetland-pony.com/transy/07im... is what a proper Shetland ought to look like.

Miniature horses, on the other hand, are spindly little pets who could do no work and are entirely ornamental.

Answer 7

A Shetlands height starts at 38 inches tall. A Miniature horses height limit is at 38 inches tall. If a horses height is exactly 38 inches, they can be register in both American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) and American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC). There IS a difference between the two breeds. A Shetland can be ridden. People often do ride their minis, but its not safe to, it can easily hurt their backs. I highly recommend not riding a miniature horse.

A Miniature Horse can be registered in two registries, AMHA and AMHR.

In AMHR there are two divisions, A and B. A horse under 34 inches is clearly a Division A mini. A horse over 34 inches is clearly a Division B mini.

However, AMHA only recognizes miniatures under 34 inches. A mini cannot be registered in AMHA until the age of 5 when they are fully grown.

Miniatures and Shetlands are shown in different classes, and never in a class together. Classes are set up from the different height and age.

For Example "AMHR Mare 3 & Older - 30 & Under"  ,

"AMHR Mare 3 & Older – Over 30 to 32"  , OR

"AMHR Mare 3 & Older - Over 32 to 34" .

Answer 8

They are two different breeds.  Mini's are usually a bit smaller and have a smaller barrel.  Shetlands are also a bit scruffier.  Shetlands are what you normally see at pony rides.  Mini's usually have a little more attitude.

Answer 9

They are different breeds

Answer 10

Shetland are like to minis on top of each other minis are about the size of a German Shepherd dog.

Answer 11

Totally different breeds. A shetland is a pony (ie short legs big body) but a mini is a miniature horse - body/leg proportion wise it is the same as a full sized horse, just a lot smaller.