It will not ever be in your vets best interest to tell you what you can and can't breed, (sadly for many horses in this world) they are there to do You a service, and costumer care is important. Also I know many many Wonderful vets, (I live about 20 min North of Wellington, We just had the Olympic trials here a few weeks ago if that gives you any thought as to the caliber of vets here.) and 90% of these amazing vets, who are top in the world, will tell you they know next to nothing about minis, and their conformation, and so on.
However, that sweet sweet girl of yours is most certainly a dwarf. Perhaps not as afflicted as others, but still a dwarf.
While there are some proof of chemical and environmental factors causing dwarfism, the fact of the matter is, it is still a terrible burden on the animal involved.
Their sweet nature and want to please makes the difficulties even more heart breaking. I would strongly suggest you do some homework into the digestive and leg issues of these animals.
(I would also vote a no for the guide horse, horses are flight animals, and that's about all I'll say-
, however a therapy horse that goes and visits children and such would be a perfect job for her if she becomes strong enough! )
There have been Many on this forum who have been kind enough to share their stories with their dwarves, and then did the responsible thing, and never crossed those two again. Or even in some cases, never used either parent for breeding again. Ever. It's a tough call and choice, but it's a call made in the best interest of the breed. I know very few who do this for money and go anywhere with it. It's all about the horses, and what is best for Them.
It's not testable yet via DNA, but it's just as cruel as LWO, or HYPP positive to me if you knew there was even a Chance of it.
These guys don't ask to be brought into this world, we are the caregivers who make all their choices for them. I find it only fair to make the Best ones for them, and even having the chance of more dwarves, is not a fair choice.
I am not trying to attack you, I just feel very strongly on this issue. It's very easy to get defensive about your babies on here, esp when you were so excited to share and everyone comes out and tells you she's "off".
But for Her sake and future foals, take a second and listen to all the wonderful wonderful people here.
This is The Best Place for you to learn about minis on the net, really and truly.
Wish you all the luck, and if you ever want to drop her off in my yard I would be telling a lie if I said I wouldn't promptly put her in her own labeled stall and put Marty hair scrunchies (Pink of course) all over!
and is very loveing, But he has been with the full size Miniatures his hole life and he was very thin when he came to us. His owner is a real good guy but could not tell that he was thin because of all the hair he thought he was fat and he thinks that that is what people are breading for and was going to let him bread
We have started letting him know that it is not a good idea but I don't know if it is helping. I think they are very cute but they need more care and someone to give them extra love
