Move over family dog.There's a new domestic pet in the yard. Miniature horses are coming on strong as the pet of the future.

Born with a healthy dose of unconditional love, these miniature bundles of joy are off-the-charts on the "cuteness" scale. With as little as a 6' x 10' shelter from the elements and a little space to run around, these beauties thrive as the family pet in even the smallest of yards.

"Miniature horses are much like potato chips ... it's hard to have only one," cautions Robbie Benjamin, who along with her husband, Ben, owns Pura Vida Ranch. But more and more families are opting to add a miniature horse to their mix of household pets.

Originally bred as pets for Europe's nobility in the 1600s, not all early miniatures were pampered by kings and queens. Many were used to work the shallow coal mines as pit ponies. Today, they are on the comeback trail as family pets.

With an easy going temperament, these horses are ideal to have around children. "Taking care of a horse teaches young children responsibility and makes for a great companion," said Benjamin.

Some parents also elect to have children show horses at various competitions throughout the country. Miniatures are separated from the rest of the equestrian world by having their own horse shows, which are gaining in popularity.

There are two categories for mini's: the first group grows no taller than 34" at their withers, and the second ranges between 34" and 38" in height. They average 120 to 180 pounds and can pull up to eight times their weight, which makes them popular for pulling specially-designed passenger carts.

Various colors and coat patterns mimic those found in the rest of the equestrian world. Pura Vida, which means "the good life," raises its championship line of miniature horses with an abundance of hugs, love and attention.

A selection of Pura Vida's miniature horses available for sale can be viewed online at www.PuraVidaMiniatures.com or phone (661) 944-0705 for details.

The ranch will also assist in making arrangements for transportation anywhere in the country and in time for the holidays.