Miniature horses require almost exactly the same kinds of care and treatment as their full sized cousins, although they do eat less. Do not expect that because of their small size, they will not be as time consuming or expensive. Horses of ALL kinds are a HUGE time, money, and emotional investment. It is important to research horses and spend a lot of time with them before you commit to caring for one on your own.
One thing to consider is where your horse is going to live. In some places of the country, it is perfectly acceptable to have the horse turned loose in a large pasture but many times a horse must be boarded or stalled. Fencing is important; it must be safe for the horse and it must contain the horse. Be aware if the fence rails are not low enough to the ground or are two far apart that a mini could squeeze between or roll under. If the horse is in a stall, consider the walls. A regular horse box stall may not be the best option as a mini cannot see out. The space where the mini lives should measure at least 10 by 10 feet, but if a horse is to be stalled in such a small area they must be able to be worked or turned out daily. Many people think that since minis are so small they can easily be kept in a small back yard, but make sure that they can be turned loose to run and roll every day! Also, if the horse is alone in a residential setting, the horse may pick up many behavioral problems because it cannot socialize and interact with other horses. If your horse must be kept alone, consider getting some other sort of animal like a goat to keep it company. Unless you keep the horse on your own property, expect monthly horse board to be at least $100.
Feeding a miniature horse should follow the same regimen as feeding a regular size horse, except in much smaller amounts. One of the most common problems a new miniature horse owner has is feeding their mini too much, which commonly results in colic or founder, or simply an obese animal. The majority of the horse's diet should consist of good quality hay, and no more than ten percent of their diet should consist of grains. Alfalfa is a good hay, but it is extremely rich in protein and has the potential of causing growth problems in young horses and forming stones (entroliths) in horses of all ages. Alfalfa, which is a legume, is best balanced with another hay that is of lower protein such as a grass hay. Grains of all types are acceptable but not usually necessary for minis unless they are working heavily. Supplements of all kinds are available on the market, but should only be fed if a veterinarian recommends it for a specific problem. Feeding your miniature horse will cost you at least $30 per month.
Minis also require regular farrier care. Although they never need shoes, their hooves must be trimmed every 6-8 weeks. This will cost approximately $20 every eight weeks.
Worming is very important for any horse, to make sure parasites do not get a hold in the intestinal system. Wormers are available that can be given per weight. The average miniature horse will require a 250 lb dose of wormer. I give wormer every other month, rotating the ingredient. I personally use Ivermectin every other time. This is usually very inexpensive, but very important. Daily wormers, which can be added to the daily grain, are also available and work very well on reducing a pot belly. I strongly recommend AGAINST using QUEST wormer... it has been known to kill horses with wrong dose amounts. There are so many reliable wormers out there that work but do not carry the risk. Please do not use Quest on minis... and preferably your other horses too!
Veterinary care is also important. Minis will need annual vaccinating against tetanus, rhino, and flu. West Nile Virus is also a rising concern. Due to peculiar bites, many minis need routine teeth floating. The average horse should have their teeth floated every other year or so. Although they tend to keep weight well, it is important to look after their dental needs. Vet costs will also be incurred for random illness and injury. You may wish to insure a valuable animal. Expect to spend at least $500 a year for a mini's vet expenses.
Stallions and geldings should have their sheaths cleaned every other month, and some can go six months or so if they don't tend to be "dirty". A vet can show you how to do this, and if you do it often enough your horse should not object. In only rare cases does a well-socialized and trained horse need tranquilization.
Their stalls should be cleaned daily to minimize flies and thrush.
A horse, if not turned out all the time, should be allowed to exercise at least 30 minutes per day. Lunging or driving is a great way to keep your horse active and in shape.
Andrea Rollins (c)2003
