SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – They typically stand 34 inches tall and are valued as companions, therapy horses and show animals. They come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns, including pinto, appaloosa and solid colors. They’re gentle, intelligent and highly trainable.

They’re miniature horses.

According to the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA), there are more than 6,000 AMHA members and around 240,000 miniature horses in the United States alone.

Earlier this month, the miniatures and their handlers converged at Champion’s Center in Springfield for the AMHA Eastern Regional Championship.

Horses registered with AMHA must meet the association standard of perfection and cannot exceed 34 inches in height at the withers as measured from the last hairs of the mane.

The AMHA hosts many events in each state, all heading up to three regionals. The Eastern Regional Championship was the third of three stops heading up to the World Championship Show, which will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 25-Oct. 3. The Central Regional Championship was at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth in May while the Western Regional Championship was in Rancho Murieta, Calif., in June.

At the Springfield regional event, 143 entries from 12 states competed. Horsemen from nine states participated.

Laura Mullen served as AMHA show manager at each location and has served as AMHA show manager the past 35 years.

“Ask any of these miniature horse owners and they’ll tell you they’re cute, practical, versatile, approachable and have friendly temperaments,” Mullen said. “Those five traits are what attracts people to miniature horses.”

According to Mullen, miniature horses require lower maintenance and less space than their larger counterparts. They require less feed than full-sized horses (about 2-5 pounds per day) and they’re suitable for urban or small-lot living. Miniatures can live 25-35 years, often outliving full-sized horses.

A smaller horse makes for easier transportation, especially when trekking to various shows, Mullen said.

“A lot of times you’ll notice most of those who show miniatures are retired,” Mullen said. “There comes a time when you don’t want to get bumped off a big horse. They also require less space in terms of housing, and there’s less feed involved. They’re just easier to handle because they’re smaller.”

The AMHA has a youth division that allows eligible youth to participate in any AMHA-approved show. These shows offer more than 50 youth classes across disciplines such as halter, driving, jumping, showmanship and costume, judged in several age divisions.

“For children, they can be a first pony experience, teaching responsibility and horsemanship in a manageable way,” Mullen said. “Miniature horses have become quite the attraction for youth.

“Children can reach them, carry their buckets, put their blankets on. They can learn horsemanship in a very safe way. Their dispositions are very good. We also have quite a few people who are special needs handicapped, and the miniatures are very good for them, too.”

Her husband, John, serves as each show’s steward, horse measurer and gate person.

“Miniature horse shows are a great family event because the parents and other relatives come and support the child,” John said. “It gives the child a discipline heading into adulthood. It teaches them that when you fail you strive to do better the next time. It’s absolutely a family environment, which is important more than anything else. It’s a great hobby for youth.”

While youth and miniature horse participation is gaining momentum, the driving force in this equine sport are adults of all ages.

Erika Fix drove seven hours from South Central, Penn., to compete at the regional in Springfield. It was her third trip to this regional.

“Yep, it was a long drive to get here, but others have had to travel a lot farther than I did,” said Fix, who made the trip to this regional with four miniatures. “I’ve qualified for the World Competition in Fort Worth, Texas, but the only thing holding me back is I’m a schoolteacher and getting off in September is a bit difficult.”

Fix began showing miniatures when she was in college. Her son, 5, also shows.

“The camaraderie with other miniature owners is simply amazing,” she said. “You show them for the fun of it. There’s no money to be made in showing and it can be an expensive hobby. The good thing is they’re easier to keep and they eat less. Mine eats greens and has a protein diet I mix with alfalfa.”

Mike Blankenship, of Jackson, Tenn., shows his miniatures for the love of the sport and nothing else, he said.

“It’s all about meeting new people, greeting old friends and traveling the country,” he said.

Blankenship competes using a show cart, which he said can be expensive.

“I have three deluxe miniatures horse show carts and I paid just over $1,400 for each one,” he said. “They have 20-inch wire wheels, patent leather and 52-inch shafts. I call them my Cadillacs. So yeah, you can put a lot of money into these miniatures but you do it because you love your horses and enjoy the people you get to meet.”

According to the Mullens, the miniature horse appeal is as strong as ever.

“I think anytime you have recreational sports, whether it’s camping cheerleading, horses or whatever, the numbers go down because of the cost to participate,” John said. “However, with the miniature horses we maintain a certain base group. We may have 10 percent less participating than last year but that’s because of the economy. The enthusiasm for the miniature horse is never going to fail.”