Horse IQ

A few years ago, a miniature horse that was house trained and served to assist her master, a woman with special needs, was featured on numerous television shows and became famous. Since then, the world of miniature horses has erupted in popularity, both for their adorable stature and utility. Miniature horses require special nutrition, housing, dental care and grooming.

Feeding

One of the biggest health risks among miniature horses is their habit of overeating. Unlike many full sized horses, miniatures must have rationed grain and hay available twice to four times daily, as they will often consume all they are offered. Clean water should always be available. Pasture feeding should be limited to grass that is maintained and kept trimmed (more on this under Exercise)

Housing

Miniatures enjoy the outdoors and love to play and run in pastures. All miniature horses love to play, whether for show or not, so make sure you let them out, even during show season. A shelter or barn provides adequate protection from most elements. They do need airflow, as they are lower to the ground, so make sure the shelter you choose accommodates this need.

Exercise

Pastures are great for exercising your miniature horse but you must maintain low cut grass. Ground covering that is allowed to get too lush can cause founder in your horses hooves. Founder is a term used to describe the effect of the bone of the foot sinking or rotating, a crippling, painful and often permanent injury in miniatures.

Make sure to come back here tomorrow for part 2 of my series on miniature horse care. Or better yet, point your feed reader right here at Horse IQ.

Yours For Better Horse Health,

Sierra Lynch