UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year 

First-ever opportunity for competitors to compete for the prestigious title of American Miniature Horse of the Year at the iconic Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). ​ This momentous occasion allows us to shine a spotlight on these incredible little equines, and we couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity. We encourage everyone to get involved and support the shows hosting the qualifiers. Together, let's make history and ensure a successful debut for these unique horses!

Eligibility for Competing in HOYS Qualifying Classes

  1. All owners and handlers must be current members of UKAMHS.
  2. All horses must be purebred American miniatures that are registered with the AMHA or AMHCGB (Section A/Purebred).
  3. All horses must be nominated with UKAMHS for the current show year.
  4. All owners are required to pay showing levy fees for the current show year. 
  5. All handlers that are not owners are required to pay handler fees for the current year. 
  6. All horses must be measured at a UKAMHS approved measuring event prior to entering a qualifier, and the horse must measure correctly for its age category. 

Height Requirements 

No Miniature Horse shall exceed 34 inches in height
Yearlings must not exceed 32 inches 
Two year olds must not exceed 33 inches 

*The show age of the horse is determined from January 1st preceding its birthday.
​*Height is measured from the last mane hair, not from the withers. 

Measuring Events

Measuring sessions available at the events below.
Date
Event
Location
12th April 2025
Imperial Gala Show
Onley Equestrian Centre, Rugby, CV23 8AJ
27th April 2025
MHCGB Spring Show
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre, Leicester, LE9 9NE
24th/25th May 2025
UKAMHS British Open Show
Onley Equestrian Centre, Rugby, CV23 8AJ
Additionally, measuring sessions can be booked in the following locations by appointment only: 
Cornwall, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Somerset, Staffordshire, Surrey & Yorkshire,

To book a measuring session at one of the above locations please email [email protected]

County Show Qualifiers

At County Shows the classes will be divided as follows:
1. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Yearling
2. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Two Year Old
3. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Senior Mares & Geldings
4. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Senior Stallions
​Championship

Breed Show Qualifiers

At the American Miniature Horse Breed Shows the classes will be divided as follows:
1. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Junior Mare
2. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Junior Gelding
3. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Junior Stallion
4. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Senior Mare
5. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Senior Gelding
6. UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Senior Stallion
​Championship
​
The following two classes are optional extras that the breed shows can hold:
UKAMHS American Miniature Stock Horse
UKAMHS American Miniature Horse Ultra Mini (For horses under 30” at maturity)

A horse is only allowed to participate in one HOYS Qualifying class per show. For instance, if you decide to enter the stock class, you cannot also enter the corresponding age and sex class, and vice versa.

​Owners, trainers, agents, and exhibitors must be aware of current UKAMHS show rules and if in doubt receive clarification from the Show Committee.