AMHA Breeders Directory 2018 AMHA Breeders List | Page 10

Having discovered the qualities of American Miniature
Horses and realizing how easy and inexpensive it is to
care for them, it may be time to find one of your very own.
Take time to look for that “just right” Miniature Horse for
everything you want to do.
 Determine your focus. Examine goals and take time to look
for that special Miniature Horse with the disposition/talent/
breeding to fulfill those goals.
 Consider your experience. Your background and/or
physical abilities are important in determining the best
horse for your needs. Do the research. Read the AMHA
Standard of Perfection. This resource is a guide for selecting
a horse that is correct and balanced and meets Association
standards.
 Utilize AMHA resources. In addition to the Breeders and
Trainers Directory, AMHA produces other resources for
locating Miniature horse breeders and horses. The official
AMHA magazine, Miniature Horse World, is filled with
colorful advertisements and features. And the AMHA
Website, www.amha.org, contains a wealth of information
and photos as well as a list of sponsor farms, clubs and
businesses. AMHA-approved shows offer other avenues for
meeting breeders and horses. Current lists of local shows
can be found in MHW or on the Association website.
 Ask the questions. Once you have found a Miniature horse
you are interested in, be sure to ask questions of the owner
and/or trainer. Ask about the horse’s height, health, history,
level of training, previous use and why the owner is selling
the horse.
 Observe the horse. Check for signs of general good health
and vitality. Note the horses overall attitude and behavior. It
is also a good idea to have a veterinarian perform a pre-
purchase examination.
 Check your paperwork. An American Miniature Horse
(with both parents AMHA-registered and meeting all
other requirements) is eligible for AMHA registration on a
temporary basis immediately after birth and until the age
of three. AMHA-registered Miniatures are not eligible to
receive permanent papers until they are three years of age
and do not exceed 34 inches in height when measured in
accordance with Association guidelines. Sale of an AMHA-
registered horse should include a signed “Transfer Report
and/or Bill of Sale” and the original Registration Certificate.
Check to make sure you are purchasing the animal from the
last recorded owner on the Registration Certificate and that
the horse indeed matches the descriptions and pictures
on that certificate. To become the recorded owner of your
new Miniature, follow instructions provided on the “Transfer
Report and/or Bill of Sale.”
 Become an AMHA Member. Membership matters! Visit
www.amha.org to join today.
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