FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: The most common question we are asked is, what do you do with them? 
A: Of course the obvious answer is “we love them”. But, you can do many things with a miniature horse. Besides making wonderful pets and companions, Minis are easily trained to pull a cart and some people enjoy participating in the show ring at fairs and horse shows. Sometimes we just enjoy “Showing Off” as there is always a demand from groups to have the little equines come to visit, i.e. old folks homes, schools, daycares etc. Chuck wagon and Harness Racing is another area of participation that may interest some owners. 

Q: Can you ride them?
A: Smaller children can ride some of the larger minis. 

Q: What do Miniature Horses eat? 
A: Minis eat the same kind of feed that large horses do, the difference being the amount! Minis eat about 1/10th that of a large horse. An average feeding would include grain with hay or pasture. Of course much less effort is required with the clean-up detail as well. 

Q: Are there different breeds of miniatures?
A: Although miniature horses come in a variety of types, they are a "height breed" simply known as the American Miniature Horse. The different types found in minis include Quarter Horses, Arabians, Morgans and Drafts. 

Q: What size should the stall be? 
A: A 6’ by 7’ up to an 8' by 10' is adequate for most minis. 

Q: How long does it take for a mare to have a baby and how big are they when they are born? 
A: The gestation period for a horse is 11 months. Foals range between 16-21” and 15-25 lbs. 

Q: What shots do they need? 
A: This varies from region to region. One should check with their local vet for advice. If one participates in shows they may need to take extra precautions as well. Our horses receive a 4 way shot annually. 

Q: How often do you need to worm and what do you use? 
A: Approximately three or four times at year, depending on the age of the horse and the time of year. You use a paste wormer, the amount being determined by the size of the horse. Check with your vet as to what type is used in your area. This is a simple procedure that you can do yourself. 

Q: Can you run miniatures with regular size horses? 
A: We don’t recommend it, however we do know a number of people who do so without problems. 

Q: What kind of fencing material should one use? 
A: We like using field fencing. Some use wire combined with an electric wire while others use rails. Barbed wire is not a good choice for horses. 

Q: Are Miniature Stallions hard to handle? 
A: No. In our experience we have found them to be no different than our mares. 

Q: At what age do you wean the babies? 
A: 3-6 months 

Q: How much do they weight?
A: A full-grown Miniature Horse weighs 150-250 lbs. Newborn foals weigh approximately 15-25 lbs. 

Q: Do you need to put horseshoes on them?
A: No 

Q: In what colours do they come?
A: Miniature horses come in all known horse colours and coat patterns. 

Q: How long do minis live? 
A: A Miniature Horse has a long life span. It is not uncommon for them to continue reproducing well into their twenties and enjoy good health into their thirties. 

Q: They’re so small, are they strong?
A: An average full-grown horse can easily pull two adults in a cart for the distance of ten miles. 

Q: How did they get so small?
A: Miniature Horses have been selectively bred down from large horses and have the same balance of conformation. Miniatures also have the pleasant temperament of their larger cousins. They are horses, NOT ponies. Actually, ponies are quite a bit larger than a miniature horse. Minis are 34" or under, as measured at the withers, the last hair of the mane. In the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) and the Miniature Horse Association of Canada (MHAC), 34" is the maximum height allowed at the age of 5 years. 

Q: How Much Does a Miniature Cost?
A: Depending on which type of mini you are buying, the price can vary. A pet or companion quality miniature horse is usually less expensive than the show quality miniature horse. Some things that can determine the price of a miniature horse are conformation, size, attitude, bloodlines, colour and show records. Package pricing is sometimes available.