Blog

Mini Modifications

Months before we ever adopted our first miniature horse, we began thinking about the modifications that we would want to make to our farm to help it become more miniature horse friendly. We had previously owned full-size horses and ponies, and had successfully cared for them on our farm for years, but never a miniature. Although they are all the same species, they can have significantly differing needs and dietary requirements. As we began making our mini modifications to the farm, we did so consciously trying to repurpose as many of the materials that we already had on hand.

Types of Fencing

Our farm consisted of multiple turnouts with a mixture of fencing materials. The majority of our fencing was 3-board wood, with a small portion of it being electric woven polywire. Our larger horses had always respected our various forms of fencing, but I had heard that minis could pose different types of challenges. Given their smaller stature and tendency to graze through and under the lower boards, they could be known to knock down boards or even break them by leaning on them. I had also heard of minis and other smaller equines escaping underneath larger gaps beneath the fence. After careful consideration and close inspection, we decided the most suitable turnout to begin using for our minis would be our grass ring which was already fully enclosed with 3-board wood fencing. To be on the safe side, we decided to reinforce the wood fencing with a single strand of electric woven polywire strung between the bottom two boards. This slight modification to our current wood fencing helped us rest assured that our minis would not be inclined to lean against or test the fence.

Water Troughs

Another modification we knew we would need to make was to our water troughs. With full-size horses, we had always had success using the large 100 gallon Rubbermaid troughs, but we knew that these tall troughs would be too large for our minis. In place of a traditional trough, we decided to use sturdy plastic utility tubs which were lower to the ground and would therefore be better suited to our smaller equines. We also liked that they held less water than the larger troughs, which meant that they would more closely hold an appropriate volume of water to meet the water consumption needs of the minis. A smaller trough or tub would also make it easier to scrub and refill on a regular basis ensuring access to clean, fresh water.

Amount Of Hay Needed

Another thing we did before we brought the minis home, was work to secure horse quality hay to supplement their diet. As a responsible horse owner, it is very important to have hay on hand at all times. It can be very worrisome to run low or even worse, be without. I had read that minis do well on a tender mixed grass hay, but I still wasn’t exactly sure how much they would need per day. In doing some research, I found that some people had recommended feeding minis 1-2 flakes of hay per day. We knew that this was only a starting estimate, because no two horses or circumstances are ever the exact same. As first time miniature horse owners, we began by purchasing 50 square bales of locally grown first cutting timothy mix hay. After the first couple of weeks, we realized that we were feeding a little more hay than anticipated, and so we decided to have another 50 bales delivered. This would be enough to fill our small hay barn, and felt like it could be a suitable amount for our mini herd of 3 for the winter ahead. It was now up to us to keep an accurate record of how much hay we fed so that we would have a better understanding of the amount of hay our horses would require moving forward.

I would like to note that traditional square bales of hay can come in considerably different sizes and densities. Most square bales range between 40-60 pounds and can be cut into anywhere from 12-16+ flakes of hay. As you can see, not all squares are created equal, and there can be a lot of variables in determining how long a bale will last your horses. This is why it can be helpful to monitor the amount of hay your horses are eating to help you better determine how long your hay supply will last. This is still only be an estimate and something you should be continuously monitoring.

Ample Shelter

Another reason we decided to use the grass ring as our primary turnout was because it was conveniently connected to the enclosed barnyard and our 2-stall barn. We initially decided to open one stall for the minis to use as a run-in shelter, but as winter approached, we decided that it would be best to open the second stall in order to provide ample shelter during inclement weather. With both stalls open, there would be more than enough room for them to shelter together or apart. By keeping the doors open, the horses would be able to come and go as they pleased.

Grass Pasture vs Dry Lot

The dietary intake of a miniature horse is specifically different from that of a full-size equine, with many miniatures being prone to overeating and obesity. Due to their small stature and dietary differences, they can be more prone to founder if allowed to graze on lush pasture for too long. Although there are a few minis who can live full time in the pasture with their larger counterparts and maintain a healthy body condition, most will thrive best in a semi-dry lot with limited access to grass. In extreme cases, greater restrictions might be necessary with some miniatures requiring a total dry lot with no grass at all. In these cases, their diet will largely be reliant upon hay. It is also very important to work with your veterinarian to make sure that your minis are getting the proper vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy diet.

Fortunately for us, our grass ring is not full of lush grass as it more closely resembles a semi-dry lot. It is our hope that this will allow our minis to graze on the minimal-moderate grass without fear of overeating. We also plan to keep the grass cut short to help slow their intake. We will however still plan to supplement our minis with hay in the mornings and evenings as needed to ensure they are getting enough to eat. We will also be keeping a close eye on them in the spring and fall when the sugar content of the grass picks up to ensure they do not begin to show signs of founder.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the modifications we made to our farm as we prepared to welcome our first 3 minis. Follow us as we journey through the year with our newest miniature additions. We look forward to sharing with you our experiences, tips and tricks to owning healthy, happy, miniature horses!

What All Horses Need

All horses, no matter the breed, have three basic needs for winter weather survival. Food, water and shelter. Because horses have relatively small stomachs, they require small, frequent meals which is why their digestive system has been designed for continuous grazing. In winter, with limited grass to graze upon, we turn to feeding hay. Many horses are supplemented with hay throughout the year, but in the cold winter months, a larger amount is typically necessary.

The Importance Of Hay

Not only does hay provide the horse with the forage he needs to support proper digestion and caloric intake, but the fermentation of the fiber in their gut produces heat which helps to warm the horse from the inside out. During the polar vortex we experienced throughout the month of January, we were personally feeding our minis around 50% more hay than usual to ensure they were comfortable during the extremely cold temperatures with lows in the single digits. Another reason for this was that much of the ground had become covered with several inches of snow and ice which significantly impacted their ability to graze.

The Importance Of Water

As temperatures dip below freezing, horse owners need to become especially vigilant about their horse’s access to drinking water. Many of us relay on troughs and tubs to supply water to our horses which can quickly become frozen over in winter. It is not uncommon for some horses to break through the thin skim of ice that may freeze over the top to drink, however when temperatures drop too low, and for too long, the ice can become so think that it can not be broken. Even when the ice has been manually broken or removed from the trough, some horses remain reluctant to drink the ice cold water. This can be very dangerous, as water is essential for the health and digestion of the horse, and dehydration can lead to colic which can be fatal. Providing warm water is an excellent way to help encourage your horse to drink in the coldest of weather. A warm bucket of water for your horse is like drinking a warm cup of tea, once again warming your horse from the inside. Investing in a trough heater or de-icer is another way of helping to ensure your horse has proper access to drinking water and remains hydrated in the winter months. Knowing your horses and their tendencies, as well as keeping a watchful eye on them in the extreme cold is very important.

Types Of Shelters

Shelters can come in many forms from big beautiful barns, to run-in sheds, to a dense wooded area. On large expansive properties, many horses rely on the forest to provide shelter from the cold rains, wind and snow. When horses are allowed to grow and thick winter coat, they naturally provide their own insulation. By design, a thick winter coat will not only insulate the horse, but it will help keep moisture away from the skin and act as a windbreak. However, if the horse becomes soaked in a cold rain, the insulating barrier becomes compromised and the horse can become very cold. This is why cold rains in the low-mid 30’s can be the hardest on horses. Access to some sort of shelter is very important, especially on cold wet days when the horse needs to seek reprieve.

To Blanket Or Not

Most horses have no trouble growing a wonderfully thick winter coat, and have no real need for a blanket. When we begin blanketing a horse, we interrupt their body’s natural insulating capabilities, which means the horse becomes reliant on the blanket and on us for this protection. However, there are some horses that do require blanketing, as well as those who could benefit from its additional support in winter. A horse that has not grown a thick coat could be a candidate, especially on cold wet days, as well as a horse that may be older, underweight or body clipped. All blanketed horses should be checked regularly for proper fit and for any potential rubs or sores. Lastly, anyone blanketing their horse will need to be mindful of the daily temperature highs as it is not healthy for your horse to sweat under their blanket.

Why This Blog Was Created

Miniature horses are a unique and fascinating breed, and although there are farms and individuals who own and care for them with great intention and understanding for their specific needs, a great majority of owners are first time horse owners who are not as informed or aware. As we prepared to become first time mini owners ourselves (we are however previous horse owners), and as a longtime avid equestrian and 4-H leader myself, I knew that we needed to better understand the specific needs of this breed, including diet, healthcare and any facility or fencing modifications we might need to make to our farm before bringing our first mini home. As I scoured the internet looking for recommendations and best practices, I never felt like I quite found the “how-to” or specific information I was looking for. I suppose this is because no two horses or experiences are exactly the same, and everyone’s situation and facility is going to be different. This then led me to want to document this first year with our minis so that we could personally have a better understanding of what it really takes to care for and manage a small herd of miniature horses. This blog is intended for friends, family and any avid equestrian or reader who would like to follow our journey through the first year of miniature horse ownership. We hope you enjoy our story and have fun learning more about these fun and personable horses!

How Our Journey Began

After growing up as an active equestrian and avid horse lover, and riding and showing throughout high school and college, I finally stepped into horse ownership as an adult. After boarding multiple horses at various facilities for several years, my husband and I decided to purchase our own farm in February of 2011 in rural Fluvanna County, VA. Here we kept anywhere from 2-6 horses and ponies on our property for some time. When our daughters were younger, they both rode and showed locally, and were active in 4-H. I too was active in 4-H, and was a leader with the Fluvanna Colts & Fillies 4-H Club. During this time I also had the pleasure of providing horseback riding instruction to several 4-H members on their personal horses, as well as giving lessons on our own wonderful school horses, Chance and Eddie. Horses came and went as our daughters outgrew ponies generously loaned to us by friends, and by June of 2020 we sadly lost our last personal horse, and thus found ourselves horseless for the first time in a long time. Given everything that was going on in the world amid COVID, we decided that it was time for us to take a break from horse ownership. Our oldest daughter was off to college, and our youngest had moved away from riding and had become a busy multisport athlete in high school. I myself had not personally ridden in years following a minor knee injury, and so it felt like the right time to close that chapter of our lives.

How We Got Back Into 4-H

In the summer of 2023, a longtime friend of mine reached out and asked if I would like to co-lead a 4-H equestrian club with her. She had recently moved to our county, and was looking to get more involved in our local community. 4-H clubs in general had taken a big hit since the start of COVID, and 4-H participation in our county had dwindled to a small handful of active members. I knew from my previous experience as a 4-H leader that this could become a time consuming endeavor, but I was excited at the thought of stepping back into the equestrian and 4-H world after a short hiatus. Together my friend and I enlivened the Colts & Fillies 4-H Club, and we found our efforts warmly welcomed by active enrollment in the club for the 2023-2024 project year (October 1 – September 30).

Rising Costs And Sticker Shock

I have always known that owning and caring for horses is expensive, but after having stepped away for a few short years, I was feeling a touch of sticker shock when I heard from our club members how expensive routine items and services had become. As our 4-H members filled in their Project Record Books, and as we began to see the total yearly expenses for their project animals emerge, I began to truly lament the fact that not everyone could necessarily afford a project animal, regular riding lessons, or the additional costs associated with horseshows and other equine needs. This all got me thinking and feeling like there must be another way to help make these equestrian opportunities more accessible and financially affordable for all…but what could that be???

The Mighty Mini

Who doesn’t smile and feel happy when they see a miniature horse? They are so cute and cuddly and can be hysterically funny at times. They might be mini, but their personalities are often mighty! They are also incredibly versatile, and when trained and handled properly, the possibilities are almost limitless. Sure, some activities require modification, but that is part of the beauty. With proper modification and appropriate assistance, just about anyone can find true joy in watching, petting or handling a miniature horse. Due to their smaller stature they are not as intimidating as a full size horse, they do not require as much space, nor do they eat as much as their larger equine counterparts. This all got me thinking…could I possibly help fill a niche by providing miniature horsemanship lessons on my farm? What could that look like? How would that work? Hmm…

An Idea Was Born

As I began to ponder what it might entail to own minis and potentially start a horsemanship program of my own, as well as how to broach these ideas with my husband, I started to think out loud and chat with a good friend and fellow equestrian about my budding interest in miniature horses. She had adopted two minis over the previous year herself, and had had wonderful success with gentling and handling them. In a few short months her minis had gone from almost untouchable when first adopted, to kind, trusting and inquisitive horses who seemed eager to engage and learn. Not to mention they were so darn cute! I was also aware that the miniature horse breed had been steadily gaining popularity and traction in the 4-H horse program over the past several years, and now had a division specifically devoted to them at the VA State 4-H Horse and Pony Show. Perhaps I was onto something. But would others in our community be interested in such a program???

A Leap Of Faith

After talking it over with my husband and with his dedicated support, I decided that I would try my hand at starting a miniature horsemanship program. I liked the thought of adoption and providing a loving home for an animal in need, and so I visited a local rescue to meet the many minis they had available. I knew I wanted more than one so that they would have a companion (horses are herd animals), but as I looked and visited with the minis, I found not one, not two, but four minis that I felt would be a promising fit for my future program. I went back a second time to make sure I still felt the same, and with the help of my good friend and use of her truck and trailer, I brought our first minis home to our farm on Halloween 2024. Unfortunately after a couple days, I did have to make the difficult decision to return one of the geldings due to challenges we were having within the herd dynamic. I am however happy to report that after his return, he was later readopted by a new family!

Settling In

Now that we have our first few minis on the farm, we are giving them time to settle in and become acquainted with their new life with us here at Care-A-Lot. Having come from a rescue, we do not know their backstory, but we do know that they are all kind and caring, and deserving of a wonderful life. We will be actively working with them throughout the winter months, and we are hopeful to begin our Mini & Me lesson program as early as this spring with our older and more seasoned mare, Sweetheart. Our two younger boys, Rockstar and Shenanigans, will begin their horsemanship training but will likely require a more advanced handler initially until they have more miles and are ready to graduate into the regular lesson program. These two young geldings would however make wonderful project animals for an older 4-H’er looking for a green project to bring along. We are excited to see the growth and development in all of our minis over this next year!

Future Blog Posts – Our Journey Through The Year

Follow us as we embark upon our first year in the life of miniature horse ownership. We plan to share updates on farm modifications and improvements (some were made before we brought our first mini home), navigating the winter weather, training progress and lesson program updates, as well as essential tips and tricks for maintaining the health and happiness of your miniature horse. Through our personal experiences coupled with insights from experienced miniature horse owners, veterinarians and farriers, learn how to create a nurturing home for your miniature horse that meets their breed specific needs. From understanding their dietary requirements to recognizing signs of common health issues, this guide is tailored for both seasoned owners and newcomers. We hope you enjoy following us as we embark upon our journey through the year!