How to Care for Pregnant Miniature Horse

Miniature horses are friendly, fashionable pets that can be found worldwide serving as companion animals and working as service animals to those with disabilities. Though they are popular, they are relatively new. Consequently, providing basic care for minis can prove to be a challenge, even for experienced horse owners. Miniature horses are plagued with reproductive problems that are caused, in part, by their small size. Because of this, it is imperative that miniature mares receive excellent care when they are pregnant. The following guidelines will assist you in this task, but bear in mind they are only guidelines. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation, call your veterinarian for assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Mixed grain feed formulated for pregnancy
• Non-moxidectin worm treatment
• Fescue-free pasture
• Large stall
• Disinfectant
• Straw or other dust-free bedding
• Twine
• Iodine

Instructions

1. Confirm the horse's pregnancy by having an ultrasound done between four and six weeks from the last day of breeding and determine the due date. Pregnancy lasts about 11 months.

2. Begin feeding the pregnant mare a half pound of mixed grain formulated specifically for pregnancy.

3. Continue your regular worm treatment program, but avoid using medication that contains moxidectin.

4. Exercise the mare as you normally would up to the last two months of pregnancy. At that point she should still be given long walks and allowed five to six hours a day outside, weather permitting.

5. Have a second ultrasound done at five months to confirm the pregnancy is progressing normally. While at the veterinarian's office, have your horse vaccinated for rhinopneumonitis.

6. Get a second rhinopneumonitis vaccination at seven months.

7. Move the mare to a fescue-free pasture at eight months and increase her feed to compensate for the growing baby. Consult the veterinarian for the proper amount.

8. Get vaccinations for rhinopneumonitis, tetanus, rabies, encephalomyelitis, and influenza at nine and a half months and gather supplies for the foaling, such as straw for bedding, twine for tying off the umbilical cord and iodine to swab the navel.

9. Place the mare in her stall at night or when you are unable to check on her for extended lengths of time.

10. Prepare a clean birthing stall. It needs to be large enough for the mare to lie down in and should be covered with dust-free bedding, such as straw. Select an area that is free from drafts and disinfect it before use. Begin stalling the mare in the birthing stall two weeks before the due date.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a close eye on the mare and watch for any signs of illness or odd behavior, such as looking at her pregnant belly or excessive foot stomping. If you note anything out of the ordinary, call the veterinarian. When the mare begins trying to push the foal from the womb, if nothing emerges, call the vet immediately. Miniature horses experience a much higher rate of pregnancy difficulties and losses than other horse breeds. Getting a live foal from a mare is not guaranteed, and you need to prepare for this possibility.

Resources

• Miniature Horse FAQ