Miniature horses have become more popular today than ever. They are sized down from full-sized horses and need to be 34 inches or under to be considered a miniature horse.
The eight step program to help you raise all your miniature horses:
Miniature horses have been around for a long time. They go back in history to about 1650 A.D. This is the earliest history found on these unique little horses. These were usually found as pets for the children of the rich. You’d find Kings and Queens with them.
Step 1 – Knowing your miniature horse. Miniature horses were bred down from the larger horse breed. They get mistaken for ponies but they are not considered to be ponies but horses. If you look at their characteristics you will see they come from the horse breed not the pony breed.
Step 2 – Feeding and Grooming Your Miniature Horse. Horses eat many things but are usually fed grains and hay with some treats. You must watch their weight and feed them accordingly because they will tend to become overweight otherwise. Grooming your horse takes some talent but is easy to do with the right tools. They need to be bathed as much as possible, and clipped down in the summertime and for shows. They need to be carefully maintained through brushing, combing and cleansing.
Step 3 – Breeding, Pregnancy and Foaling. The miniature horse can be bred by a stallion to produce an offspring. This can be done by stall or enclosed breeding methods or breeding called pasture breeding, where the stallion is let loose with the mares in a pasture. The best method is hand breeding where the owner is involved in the breeding process. Broodmares are pregnant for 11 months and can give birth as early as 300 days. Foals are born usually quickly within 20 minutes and need to drink their mother’s colostrum right away after giving birth to ensure a healthy immune system.
Step 4 –Sickness and choosing a veterinarian. Horses can and will get sick at times. The most common sickness is colic among miniature horses but can be treated if detected early on. A great asset to your barn and horses is choosing the right veterinarian. Be careful to check them all out and shop around for the right one as he will be helping you out a lot.
Step 5 – All About Stallions. Stallions are an important part of your barn especially if you plan on breeding him to your broodmares. Make sure you put the extra time and effort into handling him, as stallions can be a handful at times.
Step 6 – Exercise, Training and Horse Shows. Exercise is an important part of the daily life of the horse. Lunging a horse is one of the best forms of exercise you can provide for your miniature horse. You must spend a lot of time training you horse for horse shows. It is essential in order to do well and have your horse in the proper condition for them to show.
Step 7 – Trailers and Transporting your Miniature Horses. There are many trailers for transporting your minis. Some are for larger horses that the stalls in them can be sized down for your miniatures. Or you can buy ones that are actually made for miniature horses.
Step 8 – Where Can I Buy A Miniature Horse? There is a lot of information out there online or in magazines that will offer you all that you are looking for. Miniature Horse World magazine is a great place to start.
Miniature horses are great fun for anyone who has a love for horses. They are great for children and adults. They can find their way into anyone’s hearts!
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