Mini marvels

Shetland ponies and miniature horses have many strong points, but can be susceptible to certain orthopaedic conditions.

- Merry Smith MRCVS explains what can happen

MINIATURE horses are genetically more similar to small pony breeds than horses and are characterised by their size, standing at 100cm (40in) or less. In the UK, the British Miniature Horse Society recognises “mature animals not exceeding 34 inches”.

Others types worldwide are recognised as a specific breed of miniature horse such as the Falabella, which originated in Argentina, and the Dutch and the American miniature horse breeds.

Shetland ponies are the smallest native breed in the UK, standing at up to 107cm tall, and originate from the Shetland Isles of Scotland. They have stocky bodies and short legs and are very strong, being used in the past in farming, to pull carts carrying up to twice their body weight, and as pit ponies pulling coal waggons in the mines.

These days Shetland ponies are popular as lead-rein ponies for children, for showing in ridden, in-hand or driving classes and as lovable, cheeky field companions for larger horses or ponies. And of course the Shetland Pony Grand National is a popular highlight at many equestrian and agricultural shows.

However, although their small stature adds to their charm, it also leaves them more vulnerable than larger equines to certain health problems. Both miniature horses and Shetland ponies can suffer from specific orthopaedic conditions because of their diminutive frames, and often narrow-chested and straight hindlimbed conformation.

SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

COMPARED with bigger breeds, Shetland ponies and miniature horses are predisposed to shoulder arthritis. Research has shown that this may be secondary to a genetic dysplasia or deformation of the shoulder, whereby the cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade) is shallower and flatter than normal in this breed compared with other horses and ponies.