When you think of the word โmini horse,โ the first thing that may come to your mind is just a tiny horse with a tiny rider, like a toy. But, as it turns out, there are mini horses in real life too!
These horses are so tiny they canโt be ridden at all, but their adorableness and playfulness still make them highly sought after.
But wait, I hear you respond out loud, isnโt that just a pony!?
Well, actually no.
A pony is a different breed altogether. Horse Illustrated describes ponies as having โshorter legs, wider barrels, and a thicker neckโโฆ
โMiniature Horses, on the other hand, are currently bred to resemble a full-sized horse on a smaller scale. A much smaller scale. According to the American Miniature Horse Association, (AMHA), they must be under 34 inches up to the last hairs at the base of the mane at their withers (Minis are measured in inches rather than hands). The current miniature horse is bred to be more refined than the pony, with a long, flexible neck, straight legs, and a short back.โ
And rarely would the general public get to observe a miniature horse from the comfort of their own homeโฆuntil now. This one truly adorable video of one recently born miniature horse has captured the heart of the internet.
Not just because of its bite-sized gallops, but because of what itโs galloping toward.
The horse is only three days old, yet it trots around playfully. In particular, it gets a real kick out of chasing its friend around the pen.
This isnโt a fellow mini horse, however, but rather a fully grown man by the name of โSterlingโ. Well, Sterling, looks like youโve got a buddy chasing you around who you may be able to outrun now, but maybe not for long (unless you can run faster than 18 miles per hour in flip flops!).
This horse can not get enough of its buddy. As Sterling paces around the pen, this gumption-full horse gives him a run for his money. Or at least a run for his size!
So when Sterling lets him catch up, itโs even more adorable.
When the foal catches up to Sterling, she joyfully rubs against him demanding cuddles.
Human babies take so long to learn to walk and function, but not horses.
Given that this foal is only three days old, itโs remarkable that it already not only is fully capable of running and running well but already enjoys chasing games.
As with full-sized horses, miniature horses spend about eleven months in the womb. Thatโs only two months more than us!
Meanwhile, during all the fun, the foalโs mother watches on. Grace, a miniature horse herself watches on contently.
You can tell that she trusts her breeders while she closely observes her recent offspring frolicking with them.
It doesnโt seem to just be the chase she enjoys but catching Sterling.
Thatโs because when she eventually does catch up to him, she gets scratches, which she really seems to enjoy.
Well, this foal may never really get โbigโ, but it will surely grow up to be a beautiful miniature horse.
And if she keeps chasing people like this, sheโll probably be pretty fast too. So long as they keep these cuddles going I supposeโฆ
Little Grace is having a wonderful time in this video โ and Sterling clearly is as well. These two are adorable together.
Check out the video below!
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