Facts on Miniature Horses

The origin of miniature horses is subject to debate, but historical records reveal small horses were companions of early royalty in the 17th century. Although their small size makes them easier to keep, the majority of their care is identical to that of a full-size horse. Miniature horses do, however, have different housing, feeding, immunization and foot care requirements.

  1. Characteristics

    • A miniature horse stands between 28 and 38 inches tall. Selective breeding and introduction of the "dwarf" gene was performed to purposely create a smaller horse. They have been officially recognized as the "miniature horse" in U.S. registries since 1970. They are typically gentle, affectionate and eager to please their owners. Their coats come in an array of colors, including white, black, bay, chestnut, buckskin, gray, pinto and palomino.

    Housing

    • Because of their small size, miniature horses require extra airflow throughout their stalls. This can be ensured if the horse can easily see over the partitions in its stall and no large wall obstructions prohibit the natural airflow in the barn. They benefit from a stall measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet, with a comfortable straw bedding 4 inches thick. Miniature horses need fencing that consists of rails low to the ground and beams that are close together to prevent them from escaping.

    Feeding

    • Miniature horses should receive pasture forage containing no weeds or poisonous plants. A high-quality forage will meet the majority of their dietary requirements. However, if good-quality hay is limited, their diet should be supplemented with alfalfa, clover or grass hay. Grain concentrate should not exceed more than 1.25 lbs. per 250 lbs. of horse per feeding. Avoid overfeeding miniature horses, as it typically leads to obesity, founder or colic. The most common cause of preventable death in miniature horses is colic.

    Immunizing

    • Miniature horses require the same yearly and semiannual vaccinations in the same dosage amounts as full-size horses. They should be given a 250-lb. dose of wormer each month and immunized against flu, rabies, rhino, tetanus, equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus and other risk-based diseases specific to the area in which they live. Overdosing a miniature horse with the drug bute is likely if not administered in the correct amounts. A veterinarian should be consulted before administering it. Phenylbutazone, a product used to treat inflammatory conditions in full-size horses, can cause severe gastric ulceration in miniature horses.

    Hoof Care

    • Because miniature horses are more inclined to overeat than a full-size horse, they are prone to founder. Their feet should be cleaned daily using a hoof pick to remove dirt and debris from the cleft and in between the sole and frog. A hoof knife should be used to remove loose, dead tissue along the sole of the foot, cleaning from heel to toe. A miniature horse should never be shod, but their hooves require professional trimming with a farrier every six to eight weeks.

    Companionship

    • Miniature horses are happier and better adjusted if they have companionship with either another miniature horse or a small animal, such as a goat. Horses are social animals and interaction is vitally important. Keeping miniature horses solitary will result in various behavioral problems.