The British Miniature Horse

The British Miniature Horse should be a perfectly proportioned, quality, ridden horse, in miniature. While not breed specific, somewhere between a Hack and a Hunter would be the guide to type, with the correct height to weight ratio. The British Miniature Horse should have the same conformation and movement that is desirable in its full sized counterpart. Height is important and at maturity The British Miniature Horse should measure no more than 87cm (34 inches) at the withers. 
Breed Specification

The British Miniature Horse Society

The British Miniature Horse Society holds the DEFRA registered studbook for the British Miniature Horse and facilitates measuring, assessments and record keeping. The Society holds showing classes at Horse of the Year Show and Royal International Horse Show in addition to holding shows of its own. 
Online Membership Distinctive Shows

Latest News......


NEW FOR 2025........


SUCCESSFUL NEW VENUE FOR THE BREED SHOW

On 30th August the Breed Show took place at Moreton Morrell College, Warwick CV35 9BL. The venue was selected for its locality as well as the great facilities. The covered outdoor arena was close to both the stables and the lorry park, creating a sense of ease whilst saving little legs, and food from the catering van was superb!

The photographer was Amy Griffiths, feel free to check out her work at:  amygriffithsphotography.co.uk 


Sponsorships.


The BMHS would like to thank each company or individual who sponsored classes and/or donated for the 2025 Breed show. Without your generosity, we would not have had such lovely prizes for our members to enjoy.


The sponsors are as follows:

Amanda Breakell - Minihorsesales chatroom

Apollo Stud

Baileys Horse Feed

Bobby Dazzler

Botanica - Sean Cooney

Carol Lindsey

Chapel Down

Charlotte and Lilly Richards

Charmed Miniature Horses & Show Emporium

CT Equine Collection

Emerald Green Feeds

GeeGee Box Hire

Happy Hooves Equine Ltd Equine assisted therapy 

HorseHage & Mollichaff

Jane Domhill

Kalmara Ponies

Karosel Miniatures - Rosemary & Kathy Leppard

Liz Bradley Bowling

Nicola Scott

Pandora's Miniature Farm

Petacarium

Pithill Paddocks Miniatures

Rosette Shed

Sam Davies

Seamist Miniatures

Spillers Horse Feed

Starcatchers Miniature Horses

Sue Mettler

Tillysminiaturehorsetails Norris

Undy Buildings Supplies

Zen Miniatures


If you would like to donate a prize or sponsor a class at the 2026 Spring Show, please email Sam Davies or Emma Dewane at:


bmhsinfo@aol.com


Measuring 2026


Measuring needs to be booked in advance by filling in the form in 'downloads' on this site. When the form is completed, please email it to the office, bmhsinfo@aol.com. Fees are; £10 for the 1st horse, and £5 for each additional horse non returnable. Payable at time of booking. This is to cover the travelling expenses of the measurers.

The ONLY shows where measuring will take place are the BMHS Spring Show and The BMHS Breed Show.

You will be given directions and measuring time nearer the date.

It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to get horses measured. 

Previous measuring venues are listed below. 2026 venues and dates will be confirmed in Feb 2026


Tamworth, Staffs. B78 2BW

Bolton, Lancs. BL2 4JD

Magor, South Wales. NP26 3EN

Stretcholt, Bridgwater. TA6 4SR

Topthorn Arena, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6BX

Thatcham, Berkshire. RG7 4TG


Many thanks to various members who have offered their premises to host measuring this year.


Would You Like to Compete at RIHS and HOYS....?

All you need to do is:
1. Have a BMHS registered horse within the correct height for its age. (see 'Showing' 'Measuring')
2. Owner and handler to be members of the BMHS. (See 'Join Us') 
3. At the beginning of the showing season memberships and showing levies must be paid. The levy is explained in full under 'Showing' 'Fixtures and the Showing Levy'. Payments can be made online through the link in 'Join Us' or a printable Declaration Form is on the 'downloads' button.
4. Check out the Showing Rules in the 'Showing' button. Ensure the horse is turned out correctly and the handler wears the correct clothes.
5. Watch out for the Show List which will be published at the beginning of the show season in 'Downloads'. This will give you all the information about affiliated shows in the current season.
Further information about RIHS and HOYS can be found on their own pages under 'Distinctive Shows' and also on their own websites. The BMHS office will always help with any questions you may have.
GOOD LUCK 
ENJOY
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I show my horse in BMHS classes?
Yes, if it is registered with BMHS. You can still show an unregistered horse in BMHS Star Seeker classes or BMHS Open classes but NOT in RIHS or HOYS classes. Go to 'Showing' 'Star Seeker Series'.
2. Can my IMPHS &/or AMHA registered horse show with BMHS?
Yes, you can show your IMPHS &/or AMHA registered horse in BMHS Star Seeker and Open classes. You CANNOT show it in RI or HOYS classes unless it is registered with BMHS.
3. How do I get my horse registered with BMHS?
Go to 'Registration'  'Eligibility and Hardshipping'
4. Why does my horse have to be measured?
All BMHS horses have a height limit according to their age for showing classes. This is necessary to ensure fairness for all competitors. Go to 'Showing' 'Measuring'.
5. Where can I buy a BMHS registered horse?
Keep an eye on adverts on various sites offering horses for sale. Breeders can also be found on the 'Stallions Directory' and 'Links' pages. You might like to contact the office who will be very happy to help.



Buying a Miniature Horse
WARNING

Please ensure any horses purchased have the correct passport, it is a legal requirement to do so. DO NOT fall for the story that its ‘lost’ or ‘it never had one’. All reputable vendors will have this paperwork in place as a matter of routine. Immediately be suspicious if it is not.

Some disreputable vendors will say the horse is registered but without the registration documents this is impossible to prove. Other scams include verbal assurance of a horse’s pedigree, this is also not provable without correct documentation and/or a DNA test. Again, be very suspicious if these things are not in place. 

If you are not sure about the purchase, please contact the BMHS office who will be happy to help, before you part with your hard-earned cash. 

Admittance to Stretcholt Farm
(BMHS Shows etc)

Please note that the owners of Stretcholt Farm will not allow on their premises any person who is currently banned from keeping/exhibiting horses by any organisation/society/member of the British Equine Federation.