What do I need to know before buying a mini horse?

What do I need to know before buying a mini horse?

They are generally quite hardy, often living longer on average than some full-sized horse breeds; the average life span of miniature horses is from 25 to 35 years. However, there are also some health issues that are more frequently found in miniature horses than their full-sized relatives.

What are mini horses good for?

Miniature horses are generally bred to be friendly and to interact well with people. For this reason they are often kept as family pets, though they still retain natural horse behavior, including a natural fight or flight instinct, and must be treated like an equine, even if they primarily serve as a companion animal.

Do Miniature Horses need a companion?

If you're considering a Miniature Horse as a pet or companion, remember that a small size doesn't mean less upkeep. While some refer to horses as livestock, others consider horses to be a companion animal, especially if they are kept for recreational purposes.

What does a mini horse need?

While some Miniature Horses are kept primarily as pets, they still need to be treated like horses, with appropriate nutrition, housing, room to run, regular hoof care, dental care, grooming, vaccinations, and parasite control.

Are miniature horses aggressive?

But I will tell you that they ruined that pony for life. He was and still is very aggressive and attacks you unprovoked and also other horses. … When you have a mini or a pony, please understand that their manners need to be exactly the same if not more strict than a regular size horse.

Are mini horses healthy?

Minis are very good at utilizing calories and most don't need any sort of grain to provide appropriate caloric intake. Obesity can lead to increased incidences of insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, and laminitis. Feeding hay at 1.5-2% body weight is ideal to keep your mini at an acceptable body weight.

What is the best feed for miniature horses?

Alfalfa hay is too energy-dense for most Miniature Horses; grass hay is a better choice, fed at the rate of about 1.5% of their body weight in hay daily. Some Miniature Horses are used for driving, breeding, or showing in hand, and these animals may have higher caloric demands than their idle cousins.