bannière Cinnamon's Sirius

Cinnamon's Sirius Chevaux Miniatures Américains

Liens

 

INFOS

 

barres au sol

cheval miniature à l'obstacle

obstacle

longues rênes

 

 

General Care

The right environnement
The miniature horse has nearly the same needs as a full size horse, with the only difference that the size of the surfaces and facilities will be smaller.
Ideally, the miniature horse spend his life in the pasture with other horses (in preference other miniatures). Like any horse he is a herd animal, who does not enjoy solitude, but needs congeners to be happy. A single miniature horse can be reasonably maintained on 1700 à 2000 m2, so this surface has to be multiply by the number of horses living and grazing together. It is absolutely necessary to provide a shelter where the minis can find shade , refuge against the flies in summer and get dry in the winter. The miniature horse is not more fragile than any other horse, he can live outside in the meadow in summer like winter, under the condition of not being clipped in the winter. A stable can be useful for some occasions, but is not imperative. If it is planned to build a box , it will have a minimum size of ​​3.5 m² , better 4m² with a minimum width of 1.50m .

Fences should be adapted to the small size of theminiature. A wire-fenced pasture is the best prevention to keep the minis inside, possibly a wooden fence lined with electrical tape is also safe, but costly. The electrified fence with ribbons is an economical and flexible alternative. It must be ensured that the lowest flex is close enough to the ground to prevent the mini to pass underneath , approximately 30 cm from the ground . The height of the upper ribbon varies depending on the ability of the horse to jump. For some a height of 60 cm is sufficient, others (especially stallions) will need a higher fence about 90 cm (or more ... ) to stay inside the pasture. The space between the electric ribbons will be closer than for a full size horse.

hauteur de clôture  

Food and care needs

Calculate the weight of a miniature:
To calculate the food needs of the horse or adjust the dose of medications (eg worming), it is necessary to know his weight. If you have the opportunity to put your horse on the scales, that will be the most accurate method. If weighing scales are not available, you can use a formula that calculates the weight taking into account the length and the thoracic perimeter of the mini (formula developed by Kentucky Equine Research).
Chest circumference is measured by passing the ribbon at the base of the withers and behind the elbows. Note that the tape does not move vertically, respect the angle shown in the picture!
The length is measured from the tip of the shoulder to the widest point of the thigh.
This formula is not valid for foals!
mesurer le mini pour calculer son poids
weight in kg = (3,7 x thoracic perimeter in cm) + (2 x length in cm) - 348,5
2,2

Which food in which quantity?

Basically a miniature horse should be eating grass in the pasture, like a full size horse. While some horses are prone to laminitis, access to pasture should be given gradually in the springtime, and grazing time will possibly be limited.
If grazing areas are insufficient, hay of high quality will be distributed. Miniature horses in good health and optimal body condition (neither over- nor underweight) consume about 1- 1,5 % of their body weight in hay per day.
We should also consider the natural eating behaviour of horses: in the wild horses can be grazing up to 17 hours per day.So grazing is not purely a feeding activity, but an occupation as well. The horse needs fibres to chew to prevent boredo, but also for the maintenance of a healthy intestinal flora and finally also for a regular wear of the teeth. A miniature who tends to overweight does not need a reduced grass or hay ration , but more exercise ... which will by the way be an excellent remedy against boredom .

According to his activity the miniature horse will perhaps need an energy supplementation in the form of grain. This is only necessary if the horse is working (driving, obstacle) or is growing or breeding. Personally I prefer flaked cereals instead of pellets, because they are obtained from the noble parts of the grain, while the pellets are primarily earned from offal after use of noble parts (envelopes, broken parts). The risk of esophageal obstruction which is high with pellets, is minimized with flaked grain. There are different premixes adapted to different physiological states of the horse (breeding, light activity, hard work etc..). Each should do the best choice for his horses.

A mineral supplement may be available as salty stone free service, if the diet is not already enriched with vitamins / minerals.

Health care to provide to miniature horses

Health care is the same as for a full size horses: Annual vaccination program recommended by the veterinarian and adapted to the way of life of the horse, helps to prevent common deseases.
The deworming will be adjusted in frequency, quantity and molecule to the parasitism of the horse and his lifestyle. An article about the best deworming methods is available on this website, but it's a french version only ... -> Vermifugation du cheval
The hoofs should be trimmed regularly, at least every two months. This can be necessary more frequently for young horses (yearlings and younger) while they are growing, to assure proper leg conformation and gait.
Dental care is very importantin miniatures. It is recommended to check the teeth 1x per year.

 

 

 

 

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