Triple-H Miniature Horse Rescue

MINIATURE HORSES

There are many things that you need to know when buying a miniature horse and you should be prepared to make a commitment of at least 20-35 years. Before you buy, make sure that you meet the minimum requirements:

• Pasture - You should have at least a half-acre of pasture per pony. Mini horses don't live indoors!
• Zoning - Your neighborhood MUST be zoned for livestock or exotic animals. The only exceptions are for service horses for the disabled.
• A Buddy - Horses are herd animals and get very sad and lonely without a horse companion. Buy two!
• Finances - Pets can be expensive if they need Veterinarian care. Any vet hospital surgery can cost thousands of dollars.

Many horse lovers recommend that you avoid the expensive show quality horses that are advertised on the web and spend your money to save a discarded, unwanted or abused miniature horse. You will have a noble friend for many decades!

Article compliments of MiniHorse.org

THE BASICS OF FEEDING A MINIATURE HORSE:

• About $1.00 per day will keep a mini happy, individuals may not require the amount of food outlined below. It may be too much.
• Feeding a mini is very inexpensive since they eat about 2-4 measuring cups of sweet feed a day until they are mature, about three years of age. A 50 lb. bag of top quality sweet feed is approximately $11.00 and that would last at least 50 days. The daily cost for sweet feed is $0.22.
• During periods of time where you have no pasture grazing available you need to give a mini 1-1.5 lbs. of grass hay morning and night.
• One acre of pasture can sustain about 5 minis depending on the climate.
• Always have a salt or salt/mineral available in the pasture or stall with your horse.
• Plenty of water must always be available.
• A horse needs plenty of exercise.
• A horse that is too fat is just as bad as one that is too thin. Check the ribs by gently pressing your fingers into their side. If you can't feel the ribs, slowly taper the grain and hay ration down. If the ribs are very easy to feel and are prominent, begin to slowly increase the amount of feed you give them. They should have a nice fat layer over their ribs. This test is especially important during the winter when they have heavy winter coat. They may "look" fine on weight but do the rib test.

Article compliments of AmericanMiniatureHorse.com

GENERAL CARE and HEALTH

• Miniature horses consume the same feeds as full sized horses. These are primarily pasture grass, hay, and grain.
• A single miniature horse can be reasonably maintained on as little as 1/2 acre of land provided that its feed is supplemented with hay on a daily basis and the horse is also provided with a structure for shade or to get in out of the rain or other inclement weather conditions.
• Miniature horses, depending on their age, size, and whether they are also on pasture, will consume in the range of 2 to 5 pounds of good quality hay per day.
• Generally hooves of miniatures are trimmed at two month intervals. This may be necessary more often with younger horses (yearlings and younger) while they are growing to assure proper bone development, leg conformation and gait.
• Horses are usually wormed on a two month routine with on of the modern wormers or fed the daily supplement that has a wormer included.
• Veterinarians should be consulted for advice on annual vaccination programs for horses to prevent common diseases.
• In the winter the miniature horse gets a very long coat and it can be a very deceiving about how their weight is holding. It is important to actually check the horses condition by rubbing the fingers across the ribs of the horse just below the backbone. If a "washboard" feel is evident, the horse is probably underweight and the feed ration should be increased.

Article compliments of ScottCreek.com

General Care of Miniature Horses

Nutrition: It's important to understand the nutritional needs of Miniature Horses. Miniatures are prone to overeating and can develop problems from excessive food intake. Nutrition for Miniature Horse is similar to that for large horses but the differences in body size must always be considered. Miniature Horses will normally require a daily ration of grain and hay. Two feedings daily are the minimum when feeding Miniature Horses because of the size of their intestinal tract and the need for continual movement of food in their system. Plenty of clean water should always be available. Pasture access must be limited when the grass is long and lush or founder (a painful and crippling condition) may result. As with all horses, feeding should be tailored to the individual animal. Check with your veterinarian on an appropriate feeding program for your particular horse.

Housing: Miniatures, though small, are hardy animals. They thrive on pasture, sunshine and room to run and play. If you are not planning to show your American Miniature Horse, a three-sided, run-in shed for protection from cold winds and wet weather is usually sufficient shelter. During the show season, show horses are usually kept in individual stalls in a barn, but keep in mind they still need turn-out time to run and play.

Miniature Horses stand low to the ground and are more affected by airflow than larger horses. An open, airy barn is essential in maintaining good health for Miniatures. Stalls should be built so horses can look over the partitions and receive the benefits of airflow.

Hoof Care: Hoof care in Miniature Horses is essential. Owners need to have young horses' feet trimmed at an early age to help avoid any conformational problems. Hooves should be picked out every day and trimmed for balance on a regular schedule. Try to choose a farrier who specializes in working with Miniatures. Neglected or improperly trimmed feet can cause serious problems.

Dental Care: Miniature Horses should have their teeth checked at an early age. It is easier to do routine dental care rather than to wait until the teeth (and the problem) become challenges. Proper, routine dental care and maintenance is a very important aspect of horse ownership.

Grooming: Whether your American Miniature is a show horse, breeding stock, or companion, regular grooming is an essential aspect of his total care. Not only does the horse benefit from your grooming, he also becomes accustomed to your touch. This creates a special bond between you and your horse.

When grooming, always brush and comb with the hair, never against it. This will keep coat soft and shiny and the mane and tail free of tangles. During fly season, the horse will appreciate a light covering of fly spray.

While bathing is occasionally necessary and an important part of the process, Miniatures should not be bathed too frequently as bathing removes much of the natural oil from a horse's coat.

Veterinary Care: If you purchase an American Miniature Horse from someone in your area, ask that person to recommend a local veterinarian. You and your veterinarian will want to establish a comprehensive health program for your Miniature, which should include a regular immunization schedule. They type of immunizations required for your horse will vary depending on your intended use and geographic location. You will also need to develop a deworming program for your Miniature Horse. All horses are prone to internal parasites and these parasites can severely affect your Miniature Horse's general health and performance if left unchecked. Your veterinarian will suggest a deworming schedule based on your horse's living environment and geographic location. In general, it is a good idea to have a veterinarian who is familiar with your horse and his health history so the best possible care can be provided in an emergency situation.