What is a British Miniature Horse?

A British Miniature Horse should be a perfectly scaled down version of a quality riding horse. At maturity it should measure not more than 87cm (34 inches) at the withers. We do not seek to miniaturise any particular breed, but would give as a guide to type, somewhere between a Hack and a Hunter as being the correct height to weight ratio. The miniature horse should have the same conformation and movement as would be desirable in its full sized counterpart. It is definitely not a dwarf or an undersized pony but should have been selectively bred to ensure both its own correctness and suitability for breeding.
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Some of the things we do.

The British Miniature Horse Society holds the only DEFRA registered studbook for the British Miniature Horse. It is also the ONLY one to hold classes at the two most prestigious horse shows in the UK; The Royal International Horse Show and The Horse of the Year Show.
Distinctive Shows

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Guidelines for the Judge/Competitor Connection


Judges are expected to act impartially, to only judge on the merits of the animals in front of them and consider no other factors. This ensures class and championship placings are based on merit, skill, and adherence to the five priorities set out in the Showing Rules, Rule 8 Ring Procedure (k).

Conformation, Way of Going, Quality, Presence and Type, in that order.

Competitors should have confidence their success is a result of the quality of the horse, hard work, and dedication rather than any external factors. Please be very careful when using social media. ‘Likes ‘and ‘comments’ no matter how innocent, can be very easily taken out of context, resulting in difficulties. 

Judges and competitors alike should demonstrate their commitment to integrity and sportsmanship in every aspect of their participation. The true essence of miniature horse showing lies in the partnership between horse and handler, the pursuit of excellence, and the camaraderie among competitors. By prioritising integrity and ethical behaviour, we contribute to a vibrant and respected showing community for generations to come. 



Star Seeker Series


BMHS will be offering Star Seeker direct qualifier classes at the Spring Breed Show on 21st April 2024 and the Breed Show on 31st August 2024. The winning stallion, mare/gelding and 2 year old (and yearling at the September Breed Show only) will be eligible for the BMHS studbook subject to measuring and vetting. 


Star Seeker classes will not be held at any other shows this year. For more information about Star Seeker Series please go to 'Star Seeker Series' under the 'Showing' button.


Measuring in 2024


Measuring procedures for 2024 will ONLY take place at designated venues and dates.

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

Sat Feb 24th - Botley, Southampton

Sat 2nd March - Burnley, Lancs

Sat 9th March - Magor, South Wales

Sun 24th March - Anvil Park Stud, Norwich

Sun 24th March - Stretcholt, Bridgwater.


Please book into your chosen venue by filling in the form in 'downloads' on this site and emailing it to the office, bmhsifo@aol.com

£10 for 1st horse £5 for every additional horse non returnable. Payment to be made on booking. This is to cover travelling costs of the measurers.


These will be your only opportunities for measuring. For more information about measuring please see the 'Measuring' tab under the 'Showing' button.






BMHS Sponsors


The BMHS would like to thank all the sponsors of the 2023 Breed Show held on 4th September at Stretcholt EC. 

Supremacy Show Products

Ruggles Horse Rugs

Horsehage

Mini Horse Sales

Spillers Horse Feeds

Horslyx

Emerald Green Feeds

Petacarian Portable Showers

Global Herbs

The show was very successful with well filled classes and championships. Sponsorship makes a huge difference to the success of our shows. Thank you. 


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 print and complete the showing declaration form found in 'Downloads'. The showing levy is paid with this form. The levy is explained in full under 'Showing' 'Fixtures and the Showing Levy'.
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.
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