Page 89 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

According to the American Miniature Horse Zena
Breeding Association, the Miniature horse
temperament is reflected in its personality.
Miniature horse behaviour is characterized
by their intelligence, curiosity, gentleness,
sensibleness, and willingness to cooperate.
When it comes to Miniature horse training,
the Mini horse is easy to train and often used
for driving and equine shows. Even though the
Miniature horse cannot be ridden and therefore
not compete in dressage, they are an often seen
horse breed in many equestrian shows and will
participate in driving activities. The Miniature
horse lifespan can be even longer than that
of tall horses with up to 35 years. To achieve
such a great age for your Miniature horse, you
must care for it patiently and extensively. There
is a lot of care to provide for when it comes
to owning Miniature Horses. The Mini horse
breed has any need; a regular-sized horse has.
Furthermore, they are prone to gain weight and
they are susceptible to some health problems
due to their small size. They must be trained
and treated like any regular-sized horse since
they also show the flight-fight behaviour that is
typical for horses.

The Mini horse diet is not generally demanding
when it comes to nutrients and supplements,
but you will have to strictly regulate the amount
and calories for your Miniature horse since they
are prone to obesity. Miniature horses do not
need a lot of food due to their small size. The horses and is a widespread phenomenon within
amount of their diet should be consistent with the Miniature horse breed. Dwarfism is not sought
1% of their body weight. Before you calculate for nor appreciated by breeders since horses with
this amount, you must make sure that your dwarfism can have very serious health problems
horse has a healthy weight. The small horses like scoliosis, depression, and arthritis.
need a variety of pasture, fresh hay, some grain
and vegetables, and fruits. Mini horse grooming is quite straightforward.
Miniature horses must be groomed daily to
Since the main breeding goal of Miniature maintain their general health and bond with your
Horses is their very small size which is achieved pet. You should wash and dry your Mini horse
by breeding, the Mini horse can have quite a stallion at least every 3-4 weeks. Otherwise,
few health issues. This is why most breeding you and your horse might have to deal with skin
associations demand a DNA test to exclude infections and irritation. Brush the coat of your
possible health problems to be passed along horse every single day with a body brush to
amongst registered horses. When it comes clean it from small particles and to strengthen
to genetic problems, dwarfism is the most your relationship. Use a Curry Comb to remove
serious concern amongst breeders and owners. more serious dirt and grease from the coat and
Dwarfism is a by-product of breeding small to stimulate the blood flow.

Miniature Horse Magazine • Issue 1/2023 | 89