A: Of course the obvious answer is (love them) But you can do many things with a miniature horse. Minis are easily trained to pull cart and people enjoy participating in the show ring, at fairs and horse shows. Sometimes we enjoy Showing Off, as there is alway a demand from group to have the little equines come to visit, Schools, daycares. Harness Racing is another area of particiation
that may interest some owners.
Q: Can you ride them?
A Small children can ride some of the larger minis.
Q: What do Miniature horses eat?
A: Minis eat the same kind of feed that the large horses do, the difference being
the amount. Minis eat about 1/10 that off a large horse. An average feeding would include grain with hay or pasture.
Q: Are there different breeds of miniatures?
A: Miniature horses come in a variety of types, they are a "Height Breed" simply
known as the American Miniature Horse. The different types found in minis include Quarter Horses, Arabians, Morgans and Drafts.
Q: What shots do they need?
A: This varies from region to region. Check with your local Vet for advice. If one participates in shows they may need to take extra precautions as well.
Q: How long does it take for a mare to have a foal and how big are they when born.
A: The gestation period for a horse is 11 months. Foals range between 16-21" and
15-25 lbs.
Q: How often do you need to worm and what do you use?
A: Approximately three or four times a year, depending on the age of the horse and the time of year. You use a paste wormer, the amount being determined by the weight of the horse. Check with your Vet as to what type is used in your area. This is a simple procedure that you can do your self. For a miniature horse
" DO NOT" Use the paste wormer " Quest" Because it requires a Very Accurate
Weight. You can kill them with an overdose.
Q: Can you run the miniature with regular size horses?
A: We don't recommend it.
Q: What kinds of fencing material should one use?
A: We use field fencing, Some use wire combined with an electric wire, or wooded rails. Do Not use Barbed wire, unless you want a Very Large VET BILL.
Q: Are Miniature Stallions hard to handle?
A: NO, In our experience we have found them to be no different that our mares.
Q: How much do they weight?
A: A full grown miniature horse weights 150-250 lbs.
Q: Do you need to horseshoes on them?
A: No
Q: In what colours do they come?
A: A miniature horse comes in all known horse colours and coat patterns.
Q: How long do they live?
A: A miniature horse has a long life span. It is not uncommon for them to continue reproducing well into their twenties and enjoy good health into their thirties.
Q: How did they get so small?
A: Miniature horses have been selectively bred down from larger horses and have the same balance of conformation. They are horses, NOT ponies. Ponie are quite larger than a miniature horse. Minis are 34" or under, as measured at the withers, the last hairs on the main. There are size A or B in the miniatures. The American
Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) stipulates that miniature horses cannot be taller than 34". The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) recognizes two height divisions, "A" 34" and under, and "B" 34-38"