The exact origins of the Miniature Horses are not known although there has been reference to them by text as early as the 17th century as being cherished companions of Hapsburg royalty. The Miniature Horses are thought to have been descended from the Shetland Pony. They were bred to be small with centuries of selective breeding, which resulted in miniature horses with calm temperament. Many of the Miniature Horses were developed in a totally separate environments from other Miniature Horses such as the Falabella Miniature Horses of Argentina and the tiny European Miniature Horses of the eighteenth century. Independent breeding programs have been established on every continent. During the 1960s in the United States of America the miniature horses were called midget ponies. There was a movement during the 1970s to change the name of tiny horses to Miniature Horses and registries were established with strict standards that the horses could measure no more than 34 inches at maturity.The Miniature Horse is a small, sound, well-balanced horse, possessing correct conformation characteristics and loves to be outside. The Miniature Horse thrives on attention and displays an inquisitiveness and cleverness that make them charming companions. These little horses are used in therapeutic programs for a disabled children or adults and also as a guide horse for the blind must measure less than 26 inches). People of all ages enjoy Miniature Horses.