The Versatility Of The Miniature Horse

Caring for your own at home.

- Tammy Silva

Who has seen Miniature horses? Almost everyone. Where have you seen them? Most likely at stable yards,horse shows, farms and petting zoos. But a Miniature horse in the suburbs? Surely very infrequently, if ever! Yet it’s entirely possible and easy to achieve with a bit of knowledge and adaptation.

Keeping Miniature horses in a suburban setting opens up the world of horses to people who might never have the privilege of owning a full size horse. Why so? Miniature horses are fairly reasonable to keep.

Maintenance basics

Miniatures require all the same feeds as their larger counterparts, but in much smaller quantities, which makes the cost of feed a whole lot more affordable. Some Miniatures don’t need concentrates at all, while others do, but in very limited quantities. And hay consumption is negligible in comparison to large horses.

Routine veterinary care is roughly the same. Miniature horses need all the usual equine vaccinations as well as regular dental care, and because of their predisposition to dental problems, this should not be neglected.

Farrier visits are just as important, and your horse’s hooves should be regularly trimmed by a farrier who is skilled and patient. There is a certain amount of adaptation required on the farrier’s part in order to trim such tiny hooves, because they cannot be lifted as high as a big horse’s feet can. Miniatures who are not in work will require more frequent trims because the hooves are not worn down through use. A five- to seven-week trim cycle is usually adequate.