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.
Learn more

Some of the things we do.

The British Miniature Horse Society holds the only DEFRA registered studbook for the British Miniature Horse. We have held classes at the Horse of the Year Show for the past 25 years and are the ONLY society to hold classes at the Royal International Horse Show.
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 sponosr a class at the 2026 Spring Show, please email Sam Davies at; samjdavies1@hotmail.co.uk


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NEW RULE


This new rule comes into force from January 1st 2025


Showing Rule 2 - ELIGIBILITY FOR SHOWING


(e) To ensure fairness, integrity and impartiality in all BMHS competition regarding judge familiarity, individual members must not compete under any BMHS panel judge with whom they have a personal or professional relationship that could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest. This includes, but is not limited to:

(i) family members, close friends, or individuals with whom the member has a longstanding personal relationship.


(ii) individuals with whom the member or their family or those who live at the same address has a current or recent professional relationship, such as trainers, coaches or business associates.


(iii) any individual with whom the member or their family or those who live at the same address has had a financial or voluntary show related relationship in the current or previous three years.


Individual members must avoid situations in which the public, or other competitors, may perceive the judge’s selection to be influenced, either consciously or sub-consciously, by prior familiarity with the participant or their horse.


This rule is to ensure all competitors receive fair and unbiased evaluation.

Members are required to comply with the spirit intended by this rule.  Any infringement will result in automatic suspension of membership pending disciplinary action.

NEW SHOWS

 

22nd June - Derbyshire County Show - Open Classes Open to ALL miniature horses under 92cms, owners and handlers DO NOT need to be members, horses DO NOT need to be registered. Judge - Nigel Vale, schedule on show website.


3rd August - Denmead Show, Hampshire - Open classes and RI qualifiers for 2026. For RI qualifiers owners and handlers MUST be members and paid the showing levy  horses must be registered.

Judge - David Bartram Lawton, schedule on Denmead FB page and nfed website.




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.