Guide to Miniature Horses

Miniature horses have always intrigued me. I grew up on a ranch, along with a lot of other animals we raised appaloosa horses, so I have always adored horses. Heck, as a young teen that was my main mode of transportation. You'd be surprised at how far I managed to get on horseback! A miniature horse can be a household pet (with certain health requirements - important needs that affect the respiratory system if kept indoors), outdoor/indoor, or strictly outdoor.

It is important if you choose to have a miniature horse as an indoor pet that they have time to play outside for fresh air, exercise, play, healthy sunshine, and their need to run around (essential for digestion). If kept as an outdoor pet the horse will need a warm shelter that has good ventilation.

The smallest miniature horse was 10 pounds and 12 inches tall when it was born. Her name is Black Beauty. Black Beauty is considered a dwarf miniature horse and is 18.5 at the withers which would be the area of the last hairs at the end of the mane.

The average lifespan of a miniature horse is 30-40 years. Along with their good nature and what seems the natural ability to guide, plus their longevity, they make outstanding guide animals or assistance animals; guide horses for the blind.

Make sure you acquire or buy a horse that has bright shiny eyes, looks alert, healthy coat of hair, and has a good disposition. Having a horse or foal examined by a veterinarian before you purchase is an extremely good idea.

Miniature Horse Care

All horses need extensive care that can be time-consuming. If you are interested in owning a miniature horse it is essential you have the time and resources to provide this care. Veterinarian care is expensive. They will need regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and worming. Any animal could become ill or injured.

Horses need daily grooming including their hooves. The hooves need to be cleaned every three to four weeks (picked out, trimmed and sanded). The hooves will need to be trimmed on a regular base. This is normally done by a farrier.

The nutritional needs are a quality grain and hay no less than twice a day. Consider the size of the horse when planning their diet. You don't want an overweight or underweight horse. Perhaps a veterinarian experienced with miniature horses can set you up with a diet plan. Remember the need for exercise to aid digestion. A horse will enjoy grazing on pasture but limit the horses access to pasture that is green, long, and abundant, the horse can flounder which causes horrible pain and can even kill your horse.

Grooming should be done on a daily bases. It really is a special time between you and your horse. Grooming is an outstanding bonding time. Brush with the hair never against it. Horses shouldn't be bathed too often since it dries out the natural oils.

Truly a horse requires about the same amount of daily care as a pet dog if a dog is being taken care of properly.

You learned about the smallest horse, the biggest horse was a Shire horse (3,300 lb).

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