Miniature horses need only a small exercise area where they can graze and run around. Twelve of them won't even feel cramped on two acres. They do need fresh water, hay and regular horse feed. And most of all they need someone with loving hands to handle and be nice to them.
Anyone who has ever wanted to own a horse, but did not have the room or was just afraid to get started, can easily handle a miniature horse or two. In fact, miniature horses are known for their intelligence and can be easily trained to work with the disabled.
Keeping miniatures does not present the problems and danger of having a full size horse close enough to step on you. "A small child may be intimidated by a large horse, yet that same child will show an eagerness to embrace and hug a Miniature foal." Consequently you can now see one or two miniature horses grazing in front yards all across the country.
Miniature horses are small. In fact, if the horse is over 34 inches tall at the withers, (the very last part of the horse's mane, farthest from the head) it is no longer a miniature horse.