How to Care for a Miniature Horse
Miniature horses can make excellent pets, but much like their larger counterparts, miniature horses require extensive care. If you're considering one for a pet, you must seriously weigh the investment of time, money, space and physical work involved in the care of a miniature horse or pony.
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Instructions
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Provide running space. A miniature horse is a pet that requires room to roam. You must have a securely fenced pasture with at least two acres of accessible roaming area. The pasture must be grassy and free from excessive muck or stagnant water for optimum pet health.
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Supply shelter. A three-sided weather shelter or barn stall with open door must be available to keep your pet safe from sudden, unexpected storms when you're away. Muck shelters and stalls daily and supply with fresh straw.
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Feed your pet well. When raising miniature horses, you must feed them quality hay as the majority of their diet. In addition, grains can comprise up to 10% of their dietary needs and you can provide the occasional healthy snack as a treat.
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Groom your miniature horse or pony daily. On a weekly basis, inspect teeth and clean hooves. As with a larger horse, regular grooming, hoof and dental care is required to keep your pet healthy. They also promote the bonding process between owner and pet.
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See a farrier every 6 to 8 weeks. Your miniature pony must have its hooves trimmed on a regular basis to prevent problems.
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Give your pet the gift of veterinary care. Take your miniature horse or pony to a qualified vet at least once per year. Ask your vet to show you how to clean the sheath (if applicable) and how to administer vaccinations and parasite control. This will save the cost of extra vet visits, but much like visiting your own doctor for a yearly check-up, your miniature horse must still see a doctor on a regular basis.
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Tips & Warnings
Miniature horse and pony care is very similar to that of regular sized horses. If you can't find enough information on the care and cost of raising miniature horses, check into regular horse reference materials.
