Husbandry: How to Raise Miniature Horses

Miniature horses stand much shorter than most horses --- approximately half the height of a normal horse on average. Despite their diminutive size, miniature horses require just as much investment of finances, emotion, and time as their larger relatives. Nonetheless, raising these horses reaps many rewards for the owner. They can provide companionship, participate in shows, guide the blind, and even earn profits for their owners as breeding animals. The requirements of caring for a miniature horse closely resemble those for raising any other breed of horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing
  • Shelter
  • Alfalfa and grass hay
  • One feeding bucket per horse
  • One water bucket per horse
  • Farrier care
  • Curry comb
  • Horse brush
  • Access to veterinary care
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check local zoning laws for your area, with regard to livestock ownership, to make sure that keeping miniature horses on your property is legal. If possible, purchase more than one animal, as horses are herd creatures by nature and need companionship for mental and emotional health.

    • 2

      Install fencing around a pasture area. Typically, miniature horses require a minimum of 1/3 acre per horse. A good rule of thumb is to err on the side of too much space per horse; too little is unhealthy. Miniature horses may require different fencing than full-sized horses. If the lowest fence posts clear the ground too high, or too much space exists between posts, a miniature's may be able to squeeze through, so be sure to size your fencing accordingly.

    • 3

      Set up shelter to protect your miniature horses from the weather. Miniature horses are hardy animals, but they require, at a minimum, a three-sided shelter. If you use a barn or stable, make sure enough air flow exists at a miniature's height, and the windows sit low enough for a small horse to look outside. Clean the shelter or stall of manure every day.

    • 4

      Let miniatures out to pasture every day. If the grass grows too lush, however, miniatures are prone to overeat. Observe and restrict pasture time as necessary. If a horse cannot receive time in the pasture, exercise it for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.

    • 5

      Feed miniature horses at least twice a day. Miniature horses maintain the healthiest digestive systems when fed smaller amounts more often. Take care not to overfeed a miniature; consult a veterinarian for detailed dietary information such as precise feeding rations and supplements, as this information varies based on each individual horse and environment. Miniatures primarily eat hay, but if exercised regularly may be fed grains meant for horses. Mix high-protein alfalfa hay with lower-protein grass hay. Feed the horse from a feeding bucket.

    • 6

      Provide clean water at all times from a bucket.

    • 7

      Hire a farrier for regular hoof care. Miniature horses do not require horse shoes like larger horses, but they do need their hooves trimmed and balanced every 6 to 8 weeks.

    • 8

      Groom your horses every day with curry combs and horse brushes, beginning with a curry comb first, using firm pressure and brushing off dirt with a brush. Groom a miniature horse with the lay of their fur, not against it. On rare occasions, if truly needed, rinse a horse with a hose, starting at their hooves, working upward, and avoiding the face.

    • 9

      Consult a veterinarian for regular check-ups, immunizations, and a deworming regimen.