Miniature Horse Breed Information

In the 1600s, the Miniature Horse became widely popular in Europe due to his unique appearance. King Louis XIV of France was a huge fan of the breed that he housed Miniature Horses in his menagerie in Versailles. Despite his small size, the Mini Horse is capable of working in mines.The horse breed was first introduced in the United States in 1888. Later on, it became known as the American Miniature Horse. The breed was used in the US coal mines because of his small size, which can easily fit in small spaces. The breed did not gain popularity until the 1960s.

The AMHA split the Miniature Horse into two classifications in terms of size. Class A Mini Horses measure less than 60 cm (34 inches) whilst Class B’s height ranges from 60 to 96 cm (34 to 38 inches).

Typically, a full-grown Mini Horse weighs anywhere from 68 to 158 kg. He has a thicker coat compared to full-sized horses. His coat comes in a wide range of colours and patterns such as pinto, pintaloosa, and palomino.

Grooming a Miniature Horse is nearly similar to his larger counterparts. However, his small size makes brushing and combing a much quicker and easier task. To keep his coat clean and shiny, brush him thoroughly on a regular basis.

Using a mild shampoo also helps maintain the good quality of his coat. Stay away from shampoos with chemicals as it can damage his hair. Do not forget to remove dirt and mud stuck on his hooves using a hoof pick.

This small horse breed is gentle in nature and very amiable making him a great companion animal for new horse owners. Because of his relaxed personality, he gets along with children as well. His small size makes him easier to manage and only requires minimal upkeep compared to full-size horses.

Aside from the Miniature Horse breed’s lovable disposition, he is also smart and easy to train. Whilst he is commonly kept as a pet, the Mini Horse is also skilled in work such as being a therapy animal and a guide animal. The Mini Horse also proved to excel in horse shows and equine sports. This includes obstacle running, jumping, lead-line and driving.

Can Miniature Horses be house trained?

Miniature Horses are very intelligent animals and can be house trained. Whilst it can be an easy task for horse owners with experience, it can be quite challenging for beginners. The key to successful training is incorporating a gentle and consistent approach paired with positive reinforcement. This will greatly help in getting him potty-trained.

A balanced diet containing sufficient amounts of fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is what a Miniature Horse needs. His meals should be made up of hay, grass, oats, and other grains. Since the breed is prone to obesity, treats must be given in moderation. This also means he is not to be overfed to prevent excessive weight gain.

Give him fresh water everyday especially during hot days to keep him hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion.

Miniature Horses are a hardy breed that can live between 25 to 35 years. However, it is important to provide them with proper care to ensure that they live a long life. Regular vet check-ups also play a big role in keeping them healthy and fit.

Health issues are one of the biggest factors that can lower the Miniature horse’s quality of life. Listed below are the most common health problems of the breed that you should know:

A Miniature Horse costs between £300 and £1,000. You may need to pay anywhere from £1,000 to £7,000 every year for his livery depending on the type you choose. Yearly expenses for buying his feed is £250 to £530.Fees for vet check-ups and dentist check-ups cost around £70 per session. For deworming, set aside £40 to £105. Farriers may charge a total of £225 to £756 annually for trimming and shoeing.

If you decide to get your Miniature Horse insured, prepare £20 to £40 for the monthly premium payment. Check out our For Sale and Rehoming page for a list of available Miniature Horses.