Mini appaloosas are bred and kept all over Europe. They are loved for their appealing appearance with the distinctive speckle pattern, their small size and their delicate character. In the Netherlands, the mini-appaloosa breeding is mainly carried out by the Dutch Appaloosa Studbook.
Characteristics
The mini-appaloosa is a small pony, the height of which varies from about 70 centimeters to 108 centimeters. Ponies that are larger are classified in the small size in the Dutch Appaloosa Studbook. According to the breed standard of the studbook, the ponies must be riding type and noble in appearance. The breed description reads: ‘Horses and ponies can be registered in the studbook if they meet the characteristics of riding-type horses, ponies and mini ponies. They must have a noble exterior with an emphasis on proportionality in construction and sufficient quality in the subjects. The movement should be square, elastic and supported with balance, space and regularity.‘
The mini appaloosa is generally a bit finer and narrower in build than the shetland. The neck is longer and carried higher. The head is generally a bit narrow with a fine muzzle and small ears. The pony has fine but hard legs. Hoof problems hardly occur. The hull is flat ribbed, not very deep. The character of the mini appaloosa will leave anyone who comes into contact with these little ponies in awe. They generally have a very gentle disposition and a high intelligence. Despite their small size, they are very temperamental and willing to work.
The main feature of the mini appaloosa is of course the spotting pattern. There are several variations of this pattern. There is the full panther pied, which is completely white with colored spots all over the body. There is also the shabra-variegated form, where the horse is dark colored, with a white blanket over its back or hindquarters. Stains can also be seen here. With the snowflake motley pattern, the horse is dark and the spots white. Finally, there is the few spot. This is born partially or completely white, often with some dark markings on the muzzle and legs. No two appaloosas are alike! The ponies also often discolor during their lifetime, which has earned them the name ‘magic ball’.
Breeding
In the Netherlands, the breeding of mini-appaloosas is managed by various studbooks. The oldest of these is the Dutch Appaloosa Studbook. This studbook has been registering appaloosas, including the mini appaloosa, since 1967. The animals are registered in the studbook at birth and at the age of three the mares can undergo a studbook recording. The mare is assessed here. First, she must be completely healthy. In addition, it is checked whether her appearance and her movements meet the studbook standards. Animals that are included in the studbook can participate in the mare inspection. Here a jury will compare the animals.
For stallions it is possible from 2.5 years to participate in the stallion inspection. The standards are even stricter here. We really look at whether the stallions can contribute to improving the studbook.
Another studbook in which many mini-appaloosas are registered is the NMPRS. The purpose of this studbook is to breed a small version of a horse. Much finer built mini appaloosas have been used in this studbook from the start. Any color is allowed at the NMPRS. The color is therefore secondary to the breeding goal.
Appaloosa colored specimens are also found in the Falabella studbook. In order to maintain the purity of the breed, they should only be crossed with other pure Falabellas. The appaloosa color is less common in this breed. The same applies to the American mini horse.
Origin of the mini appaloosa
The mini appaloosa is bred all over Europe. In Germany and Austria there are studbooks that have registered mini-appaloosas for a long time. In these countries the mini appaloosas are registered in a separate section of the shetland studbook and are called shetland partbred. In the Dutch minis you will find the bloodlines from these studbooks. The lines seem to go back to some English animals. If you look back carefully in the pedigree, many of the ponies are therefore far away related to each other. Spotted ponies were already reported in England in the Middle Ages. Large sums were paid for these animals.
The mini appaloosa has been frequently crossed with the shetland. This has resulted in a very hardy, healthy pony and little inbreeding in the lines. Welsh ponies, Deutsche Classic ponies, American mini horses and NMPRS ponies are also crossed with the mini appaloosa.
Using the mini appaloosa
The mini appaloosa is a grateful and attractive animal, for those who have a pasture and want to keep some animals there. They also offer many opportunities for people who can no longer handle a large horse due to health reasons. You can also often see these animals on children’s farms and care farms, where they offer many people pleasure with their gentle nature. The somewhat larger minis are very suitable for driving. Even though they are small, they come along well in various forms of competitive sports. The little ones can also learn to ride them. A mini appaloosa is also a suitable choice for freedom dressage.
Love the mini appaloosa
The minis are very hardy animals. In winter they get a good coat, so they can withstand the Dutch winter weather. Of course, a mini appaloosa appreciates a shelter and a dry place to lie down. They are very austere animals. They need good quality roughage (hay, silage) and at most a handful of chunks. Furthermore, of course deworming and regularly the farrier is in place.
The fence deserves special attention. In a pasture with large horses, the bottom wire must be lowered especially for the mini. It is also very important that there is a lot of electricity on an electric fence. With their thick winter coats, they would otherwise not feel the flow.
Purchase mini appaloosa
If you decide to purchase a mini appaloosa, the stud book is a good place to start. This can give you more info. There are also regular animals for sale on the internet, and many breeders have their own website. Make sure you always buy from a reliable breeder who is affiliated with the studbook and who also has his animals veterinary inspected.