Miniature horses are different than your normal horse. Where you can ride a regular horse, you cannot ride on the back of a miniature horse—at least nothing or someone that is more than 70 pounds. Where these horses are similar to a regular horse, there are difference that set them apart.
How much can a mini horse pull? These horses are usually seen with little carts strapped to them that they can pull around. Sometimes there are food and products inside of these carts. A mini horse can pull about three times their weight. Their weight is significant because they are smaller horses compared to a regular horse. So, you would need to take their weight in account if you are trying to turn your mini horse into a cart puller.
Besides the weight of a mini horse, which is particularly important, you also have to take in consideration of the harness you use and yourself. Your weight or anyone’s weight is as much as important as the horses. You do not want to give a mini horse more than they re designed to carry.
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What Exactly Is A Mini Horse?
As I’ve mentioned briefly above, a mini horse, which they are called by more than one name, is a horse that is smaller than the average sized horse. Its name, which people refer to them as “mini horses” or “mini ponies,” its rightful name is called “miniature horses.” These horses are not that tall as their heights are typically around 34-38 inches which is equivalent to 86-97 cm.
Because of their height and how small they are, these horses can be kept as pets, but they will still maintain the behaviors and characteristics of a horse. These horses are friendly and kind animals, so who wouldn’t want them as a pet? You can keep them around children as well.
The Kind of Mini Horse You Can Use to Pull
All mini horses can pull, but you have to keep in mind the age of the horse. A horse that is not fully developed will not be a great horse to put a cart on. The average age of a mini horse that can be able to pull a cart is a mini horse around 4 or 5 years old. If the horse is younger than this, then you can cause damage.
The Health of a Mini Horse
As stated in the paragraph above, a mini horse of 4 to 5 years old is the kind of mini horse you want to put a cart on because at this age they are already fully grown. But a mini horse has health problems just like any other animal or breed. Mini horses are typically born with crooked legs which can cause them to have difficulty walking and it can be uncomfortable for them. This is one of the reasons why a mini horse can only pull a certain weight. Also, their age is taken in account as well.
Training a Mini Horse to Pull a Cart
If you are not qualified to train your mini horse to “drive” which is a term that is used when a mini horse is learning to pull a cart, then you should get someone that is qualified to do so. The trainer will be able to start off your horse with ground work, which is training your horse basic commands, so it knows when to halter or stop.
Different Breeds of Mini Horses
There is not just only one breed of mini horses. These horses are breeds of your bigger sized horses and there are two major ones; the quarter horse and the Arabian horse. Mini horses come in different colors which are sorrels, pintos, palominos, appaloosas and more.
Having a Mini Horse as a Pet
Mini horses are bred for the sole purpose of it being able to interact ad be friendly with people. Mini horses are gentle animals and is easy to manage. It is not uncommon to have a mini horse as a pet. They are also suitable for many things like being show animals and help with disabled people and being guides for the blind.
Taking Care of a Mini Horse
Grooming is important and is an everyday routine if you want to take care of a mini horse. They can stay in a barn in a stall as their home, but they also need time to play. Don’t keep them coped up in the barn. Keeping them fed and checking on their dental health is important as well. Make sure they get regular check ups from the vet and their required shots.
The Eating Habits of a Mini Horse
A mini horse, since they weigh about 150-300 pounds, they should be able to eat 2-4 pounds pf food. They eat leafy foods like grass. Sometimes they tend to overeat, so you should monitor their intake to keep them healthy.
Where Can You Buy a Mini Horse?
The American Miniature Horse Association and the American Miniature Horse Registry is a great place to start. These registries are specifically made for these breeds of horses.
Summary
If you are already caring for a mini horse or you are considering getting one, it is a great idea. However, you have to keep a lot in mind when taking care of these animals. They are gentle animals and they should be treated as such.
