Dutch Miniature

The Dutch Miniature or Nederlands Minipaard is a Dutch breed of small or miniature horse. It has been selectively bred to display in miniature the physical characteristics of a full-sized horse, and may stand no taller than $106 cm$.

History
The Nederlandse Mini Paarden Registratie Stamboek, the stud-book for the Dutch Miniature, was begun in 1993. At first it registered horses in two sections, one for miniature horses no taller than $86 cm$, and another for small horses standing up to $106 cm$. The upper section was later divided into two, 'small' for horses standing $87 cm$ and 'large' for those $96 cm$.

According to the association, the stud-book listed over $34,000$ horses in 2023. The population reported to DAD-IS for 2022 was $4,500$; this figure included $2,078$ breeding mares and $1,891$ stallions. The conservation status of the breed was listed as 'at risk/endangered'.

Characteristics
The Minipaard is expected to display in miniature the physical appearance and proportions of a full-sized riding horse, not those of a pony. The coat may be of any colour. Horses may be of any bloodline or provenance; no horse over $106 cm$ in height is eligible for registration.

Use
Miniature horses are kept only as pets or for showing.