The Miniature Horses of Painted H Ranch Breed’s versatility gives these horses a unique place in the horse world.
Aimee Holliday breeds Miniature Horses primarily to produce her next in a long history of show ring stars. Fellow enthusiasts have benefited greatly from her high standards for conformation, athleticism and performance because she occasionally has to let a few of her horses go. Whether the new owners plan to enjoy their Minis in the show ring or as pets, they are assured an animal of top quality that will be a pleasure to train, work and play with.
Aimee inherited her love of horses from her late
father. She grew up riding full-size steeds, primarily in the hunter/jumper discipline, and became intrigued by Minis after attending her first breed show in the early 1990s. By 1996, she had a Mini of her own, Shamrocks Irish Rose, who now enjoys a life of retirement at the 56-acre Painted H Ranch in Chino Hills. Since then, Aimee’s interest has grown into a thriving breeding program that has produced many winners and, at present, counts 30-plus horses in the program. California Riding Magazine editor Kim F. Miller had an enjoyable chat with Aimee to find out more about this adorable and accomplished breed.
Riding: Are there miniature versions of specific full-size horse breeds, or are Minis a breed unto themselves? Aimee: Some do resemble a Quarter Horse, Arabian or other full-size breeds, but they are
a height breed unto themselves. There are two associations that govern the breed: the American Miniature Horse Association limits height of registered horses to 34” and the American Miniature Horse Registry has two categories: under 34” is an “A” and 34’-38” is a “B.” Height is measured a little differently than it is for full-size breeds. The measuring stick is put where the last mane hair ends, rather than at the withers, which is typical for ponies and full-size breeds and is usually a higher point. This has been a big issue with the breed because it can be a little subjective.
Riding: What are some of the breed standards? Aimee: The standard of perfection caters to the look similar to an Arabian, but otherwise there is no “correct type” so long as the horse has the conformation to do its job. One thing I love about the world of Miniature Horses is that there’s something for every Mini to do. If you are going for halter classes, then you want that Arabian look, but otherwise there is no “type” needed to compete in the other wide array of classes offered at a Miniature Horse show. Shows have many divisions. Driving, hunter,
jumper, showmanship, trail and driving obstacles are a few of them. The newest is a versatility division in which you enter with the horse pulling
Arare Photography / Kelly Campbell
(left to right) WF Zeus Phoenix - One of our Main Herd sires at PHR. World Reserve Champion Halter & Performance Horse & 2x Nationals Grand Champion Producer; PHR ZP Colossus - Gelding son of WF Zeus Phoenix. National Overall Grand Champion Gelding, Over; PHR ZP Magneto - Colt son of WF Zeus Phoenix Show Grand Champion & PCMHC High Point Champion.
Owner Operators of PHR Aimee Holliday and boyfriend Dustin Davis.
Visel Photography / April Visel
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