How to Take Care of a Mini Pony

Several breeds of miniature ponies exist worldwide, of which the best known are the miniature Shetland and the Australian miniature pony. All breeds of miniature pony are descended at some point from the Shetland, and retain pony characteristics of a large head and short ears and legs. A miniature version of any pony breed is defined as being less than 34 inches in height to the withers at maturity. Miniature ponies are often kept as pets, but have the same needs as full-sized ponies. Minis are particularly at risk of obesity and subsequent weight related diseases as a result of overfeeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Weigh tape
  • Halter or bridle
  • Grooming kit
  • Grazing muzzle (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh your pony once a week. Pass the weight tape around its middle behind the forelegs, draw it tightly enough to just depress the skin and take the reading. An average miniature weighs around 150 lbs, but this will vary according to height and physique, so assess the pony's condition visually as well. You should be able to feel your pony's ribs but not see them. If your pony has a fatty crest on the top of its neck and a channel along its back with rolls of fat either side, it is too fat and needs to be put on a restricted diet.

    • 2

      Turn your pony out in a grazing muzzle to restrict its grass intake. The muzzle will allow drinking and limited eating, but the pony will have to work harder for its food. In the winter, mix hay with oat straw to reduce the number of calories being fed.

    • 3

      Check daily for signs of laminitis. This is a disease of the feet caused primarily by obesity, and can be fatal. Miniature ponies are particularly at risk, as it is easy to overfeed them and they often do not get sufficient exercise. Place your hand on the pony's feet and check that they do not feel excessively hot, and that one foot is not hotter than the others. You may also start to see the pony become lame or to hobble on hard ground. If you suspect laminitis, restrict the pony's diet and consult a veterinarian if the symptoms last beyond a day.

    • 4

      Exercise your pony at least every other day. Take it for walks in-hand, work it on the longe (a form of training where the handler works the pony in a circle on a long rope), or even try taking it swimming. Miniature ponies are very strong and usually intelligent. Put your pony to work drawing a cart or harrow, which will keep it interested and exercised. Take it out in the trailer to new venues as often as possible.

    • 5

      Groom your pony regularly. Miniature ponies often have thick, coarse hair as a result of their Shetland ancestry, so regular grooming is important to prevent manes and tails becoming matted. Miniatures do not normally require blankets as they are very hardy. Try not to give your pony too many baths with soap as you will wash the oil, an essential part of its natural central heating system, from its coat.

    • 6

      Have a farrier and equine dental technical check your pony's feet and teeth regularly. Make sure that your pony has constant access to clean water and that the water container is not too high for it to drink from. Ensure that there is access to a shelter like a tree or shed, and check that your fence is correctly sized so that your pony can't try to wriggle under it.