The American Miniature Horse Association is the world's leading Miniature Horse registry with nearly 160,000 horses and more than 12,000 members in 37 countries and provinces.

Founded in 1978, AMHA promotes the breeding, use and perpetuation of a standard of equine excellence in miniature, separate and apart from ponies and other small equids. 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.

According to AMHA Rules, Regulations and Bylaws, an animal exceeding 34 inches in height is not eligible for registration with the Association. Temporary papers are issued to eligible Miniature Horses whose parents are both registered with AMHA. If after five years of age the horse is 34 inches or less, the application may be made for permanent registration. A written Standard of Perfection details the criteria for eligible horses to AMHA.

AMHA has taken great strides since its inception to ensure the accuracy of pedigrees. One such step was closing the Registry on December 31, 1987, which allows only horses with AMHA-registered parents to be registered. To further ensure the breed's integrity, all foals born after December 31, 1995 must be blood-typed and/or DNA-tested before any of their offspring can be registered.