Miniature horses are horse breeds that are distinguished by their low stature and build characteristic of riding horses. Mini-horses are proportional to the body length of the limbs and peculiar to riding horse format. Due to its small size, kindness and attractive exterior, miniature horses have become widespread and are now bred in many countries around the world.
So How Much Space Do You Need For A Mini Horse? The maintenance and care of mini-horses are no different from those of large horses and ponies, with only one amendment – the size of the baby. So, in the ordinary stall size 3 × 4 m usually holds 2-3 miniature horses, depending on their caliber. By the way, the maintenance of horses in small groups in the stalls is even better than a single horse – mini horses have a calm disposition and get along well with each other, often even adult stallions calmly graze beside them and do not conflict with each other.
Mini horse maintenance
Miniature horses can be successfully contained even in the house, instead of a dog – special diapers (Pampers Active Pony) for horses and boots were developed for this purpose in the west (so that the hoof is not clinching), but one should not forget that miniature horses need special walks and movement. Despite its seeming tenderness, mini-horses are not at all slender. With shelters and a small top dressing with hay and concentrates, mini-horses feel great all year round in the pasture. They easily tolerate the winter cold: by the winter mini-horses grow thick wool. However, like large horses, babies must be protected from drafts.
Miniature horses have a maximum height of 140 cm; the smallest representative has a height of 80 cm. However, their weight ranges from 100 to 200 kg. The smallest horses have a weight of 14 kg. Such representatives today contain even in the conditions of apartments as pets, like cats and dogs. Miniature horses graze beautifully in the pasture throughout the pasture season with minimal feeding. But even during the pasture season and during the stall one should not forget about mineral and vitamin supplements since they are especially sensitive to the lack of nutrients and minerals in the feed.
What is the difference between mini horses and ponies?
The body structure of the mini-horse is proportional and looks like the exterior of a large horse, only reduced by 5-6 times. Muscular croup, strong withers, graceful neck, elastic body, long thin legs with small hooves, a moderately large head with intelligent, expressive eyes, lush mane and tail, various suits – this is the portrait of most representatives of dwarf breeds. These horses are often mistakenly listed as pony horses, differing in a disproportionately long body with short legs.
What are the advantages of mini horses?
All breeds of miniature horses are mainly used as decorative animals. Due to the small caliber, the mini does not take up much space and may be kept at home as a favorite pet. Mini-horses are inborn jumpers and racers. Mini horses can be trained perfectly – they can be easily taught various tricks, and in the circus rooms with big horses and mini-horses look spectacular. Due to their flexible temper, patience and comprehension, miniature horses have become excellent playmate partners for children. Mini-horses are indispensable in working with children with disabilities: young children do not see a threat to themselves in small good-natured creatures and are happy to contact them, feed them, comb their hair, ride a horse. Mini horses have long been successfully replaced guide dogs. They quickly memorize the necessary route and, thanks to the calm, balanced character, less than dogs, react to external stimuli.
Summary
Today, there are about 20 breeds of dwarf horses. Mini-horses are much smaller than their fellows, so they occupy several times less space. They have a calm, benevolent disposition. Their main advantage is the attractive external data, which undoubtedly attracts to it. Like big horses, mini horses need daily cleaning, systematic bathing, and clearing of their hooves. It is necessary to carry out vaccination and deworming of horses regularly, but it should not be forgotten that, in order to avoid overdosing, all are given to mini-horses based on their body weight.