Welcoming  a
miniature horse

When you plan to welcome a miniature horse, it is important to ask yourself the right questions and to ensure that the living conditions that you can offer will allow it to thrive.

 

The first thing to do is to clearly define your expectations and your tastes. There are all types of minis, from the more Arabized to heavier type models. Depending on your affinities, you will have to turn to a breeding that produces the model that you like.

 

Knowing the purpose will allow you to pay attention to certain specific criteria. For the Company, for example, think above all about the character of the animal ; Knowing how to describe yourself to the breeder will allow him to guide you towards a horse that matches your personality. In addition, for a Work orientation, the paces, the plumbs and the back will be key points to watch carefully. A hang-up of the kneecap, weak kidneys or a large defect of plumb (club foot, cone, ...) will rather be avoided because they will represent as many weaknesses or even inadequacies for certain disciplines.

 

In addition, it is strongly recommended to visit several farms and to have several opinion in order to forge a precise and complete idea. It will also allow you to see the parents of your future horse and its living conditions.

 

Once you know exactly which type of miniature horse you are going to turn to, it is important to make sure that you can provide it with the living conditions essential to its well-being .

 

Space

For a mini it takes around 1 500 m2 of land with a shelter (built or natural) that will protect it from wind and rain.

 

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Companion

Being a gregarious animal, for its social well-being, it is essential that your mini is not alone. The ideal is that he has another horse with him (small or large), but you can consider taking a donkey, a goat, a llama.

 

 

Food

If your mini does not have access to grass all year round or it is not nourishing enough, especially in winter, you will need to provide hay, and a complementary food which is essential for the growth of the young and the good lactation of a broodmare. A working horse may also have specific needs depending on its activity and intensity. Mineral and vitamin supplements (CMV) are also essential.

 

 

Care

In addition to the annual vaccination and trimming 3 to 4 times a year depending on the growth of the hoof, it may happen that your mini needs additional care (colic, dermatitis, injuries, ...). Teeth should also be seen by an equine dentist every 2-3 years and a visit to the osteopath can be beneficial on an annual basis.

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Time

Having your horse at home is a real pleasure, but it takes a lot of time ! Particularly during the winter periods when it will be necessary to put hay daily (if the access is not at "will"), to break the ice on the water if it has frozen... It is also necessary to fill the bucket if there is no access to water on site. Check daily that your horses are doing well, and provide regular care.

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A miniature horse should always have a passeport or SIRE number (in France). This does not mean that the horse has papers, but simply that it is microchipped and in order at the level of the National Studs. When it comes to an imported horse, the book becomes a passport. Note that all horses must have a SIRE book or a passport in the event of importation, including an ONC. A purebred horse, on the other hand, must have an additional certificate showing the genealogy.

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The price range of a miniature horse extends from 800 to 8000 €, these prices vary according to the register of breed, orientation (breeding, work, company), sex, age, work. They represent the average range of the current market and are given as an indication.