Alfalfa hay is too energy-dense for most Miniature Horses; grass hay is a better choice, fed at the rate of about 1.5% of their body weight in hay daily. Obesity is a major concern in modern domesticated donkeys and mules. Some Miniature Horses are used for driving, breeding, or showing in hand, and these animals may have higher caloric demands than their idle cousins. Grain should be fed by weight, not volume, so weigh your grain on a scale and know how much grain you are feeding. Plenty of clean water should always be available. So can miniature horses eat oats? To keep them in good health, miniature horses will also require regular deworming with parasite control products available at your local feed or tack store. Consumption may increase or decrease with weather conditions and reproductive status. When selecting a concentrate, make sure it is designed for your horse’s age, workload and production status. Buy enough bales of green, alfalfa-grass mixed hay or good quality grass hay to last the season. Published November 26, 2012 | By Lisa. miniature horse weighs 200 pounds and should receive at least 2 to 4 pounds of forage a day. Dental care is vitally important to the welfare of your miniature horse. At the other end of the condition scale is an animal with spongy fat deposits on the shoulders, croup, ribs, and thighs. The quantity of feed and time spent foraging for food are essential things to consider. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. If grain is needed, it should be fed in small amounts during several feedings daily. You mini horse doesn’t eat much at all compared too a regular sized horse. - If there is a question as to the exact location of the withers, allow the horse to lower his head and neck as if to graze and measure to the highest point in front of the saddle area. Flakes of hay can vary greatly by thickness; a … « Feeding the Miniature Horse. • Feed each horse as an individual, taking into account size, weight, state of growth, metabolism, and work. Be sure to feel your horse’s body on a weekly basis, especially in the winter, to be sure he is not getting too fat or too thin. Feeding a mini is very inexpensive since they eat about 2 - 4 measuring cups of sweet feed a day until they are mature, about three years of age. Nutrition in the Mini Horse An alternative feed is needed if the pasture is poor, there is doubt about the quality or there is a limited amount. Miniature horse owners should feed their horses a pre-mixed combination of … Regardless of their size, all equines have the same basic nutritional needs. Subscribe to Equinews and get the latest equine nutrition and health news delivered to your inbox. After an owner has figured body condition and weight, the final step is to work out individual nutrition plans. Protein levels of up to 16% may be required during periods of highest demand (breeding stallions, extremely heavy exercise). Always read the label to find out what you are truly feeding your horse. Miniature horses also need access to clean, fresh water daily. Trace mineral salt will also provide the macro- and microminerals required to keep your horse healthy. It is important to take care in determining when and how much to feed a donkey. These horses usually have rounded ridges of flesh along their backs so that the spine appears to lie in a depression, and ribs cannot be felt even with firm pressure. Every horse needs at least 1 percent of its body weight or 50 percent of total intake in good quality forage. To ensure sufficient intake of key vitamins and minerals without the danger of grain overload, a supplement such as All-Phase may offer a safe alternative to a textured or pelleted concentrate. This chaff is high in protein and is desirable in the feeding program. Equine nutritionists suggest that a different way to approach grain feeding is to look at what a commercial feed actually provides. Miniature horses tend to be easy keepers, meaning that they seem to maintain or increase their weight on limited forage and little or no grain. Design a parasite control program with your vet so the feed you put in your mini benefits him, not his unwanted guests! This should be done even more frequently in horses that are under 5 years of age or over 12 years when teeth change rapidly. Water and salt should always be available. Miniature horses have long, stringy muscles instead of short bulky muscles. The Miniature Horse was developed in Europe in the 17 th century. I suggest you also have your grass tested if your minis graze. Hay, whether baled, cubed or pelleted, is an acceptable alternative. About a small coffee can size would be plenty. Use the measurements (in inches) in one or more of the following equations: 1. For some animals there is a link between diet and episodes of laminitis. Harvested hays are the most substantial parts of horses’ diet. Factors such as body size, age, breed, work, climate, health status, and metabolism affect the type and amount of hay, pasture, and grain a particular horse should be given. Some feeds include flax seed oil. Finally, when feeding miniature horses, avoid placing the feed directly on the ground — excessive intake of sand or dirt may cause colic. If feeding more hay, reduce the feeding rate of Miniature Horse and Pony feed by 0.5 pound for every pound of additional hay feed. Water should range in temperature from 45 to 65 degrees F — neither very hot nor very cold water is desirable. Miniatures should be given about 1/4 the amount recommended for a mature horse, and caution should be exercised so as not to oversupplement. Emergency diet for a horse with endocrinopathic laminitis Feed: Hay - feed approx. 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Feed any supplemental fat with caution, and cut back on grain when feeding to prevent the horse from becoming overweight and more prone to laminitis. Body Condition Scoring – The importance of monitoring body condition, a standardized scale of evaluation, and the special consideration and challeges of determining BCS on a Miniature Horse. Plenty of clean water should always be available. kwaite@msu.edu. Published November 26, 2012 | By Lisa. Grazing is the natural feeding pattern of horses, and pasture or hay can often supply the majority of a horse’s nutritional requirement. • Monitor changes in weight and modify intakes accordingly. For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu. (Girth x 13.18) – 326.07 = body weight in pounds. The second part of our sweet feed is 7% fat. Make feeding choices based on whether the horse should reduce, maintain, or increase weight. Learn how to give them the feed they need to grow healthy and strong for a lifetime of soundness. It’s best to avoid coarse hay because it’s hard on their digestive system. Every 2 to 3 months, paste worm them in the mouth. Scaling down for Miniatures would point to about 3.5 to 4 pounds of hay. Natural Instincts. (For more information on body condition scoring, please visit www. It depends on age, gender, papers, training, etc. Yes you can feed a mini oats although something like sweet feed or pellets will work just fine as well for most minis. Your horse needs to be not only fed properly, and have enough exercise by being turned out daily, but also, wormed regularly. Simple sugars increase the level of insulin, which in some horses triggers laminitis. Taking Care of Your Miniature Horse. No matter how much you learn about feeding, results are what really matters to your horse. The study found that owners of Miniature horses commonly over- or underestimated the weight of their animals by up to 20%, an error that could lead not only to inaccurate feeding programs but also to possibly dangerous dewormer or drug dosages. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Horses kept outdoors will have higher energy requirements and the higher energy forages such … Provide your mini with good quality, soft hay at least twice a day. Purina Miniature Horse and Pony horse feed is specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of miniature horses and ponies who tend to be more metabolically efficient than large horses, but still require the nutrition necessary for growth, gestation, lactation, breeding and competition. Horses are grazing animals, and studies show that they perform best when they follow natural grazing patterns. Two feedings daily are the minimum when feeding Miniature Horses because of the size of their intestinal tract and the need for continual movement of food in their system. Protein, calories, and fortification (vitamins and minerals) are the dietary benefits of a grain ration. Studies have shown that donkeys voluntarily consume much less forage compared to horses; 1.5% of body weight (BW) for donkeys compared to 3.1% of BW for horses. Feed at least one-third to one-half of a flake of a good quality grass or alfalfa grass mixed hay twice a day. (Girth x 11.68) + (height x 2.85) – 357.26 = body weight in pounds. Pet, show-ring competitor, pasture companion, driving partner, patient therapy horse—the Miniature Horse does it all. As a general rule, a full-sized horse should be given hay or grass at a rate of about 1 to 1.5% of body weight per day. Feeding the Miniature Horse. Patrick I. Cudney, Acting Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. For height, stand the horse squarely on level ground or pavement and measure the vertical distance from the ground to the top of the withers. Possible Link Between Selenium and Cribbing in Horses, Hot Blood, Warm Blood, Cold Blood in Horses, Gastric Health of Horses: Effect of Devil’s Claw and Turmeric, Ascarids in Foals: New Treatment Shows Promise, German Warmblood Breed Societies Support PSSM Genetic Research. Choosing the suitable hay for a horse depends on where you live, your horse’s needs, and more. Miniature Horses will normally require a daily ration of grain and hay. Other supplements may be added to the diet if a horse has special requirements. The back should be flat, with the spine neither sticking up nor paralleled by raised ridges of flesh, and a light layer of fat should provide a smooth appearance to the shoulders, neck, and withers. Look for a fine, soft, leafy hay rather than a coarse, mature hay. So 2-3 lbs total. The challenge for the owner is to provide complete nutrition while keeping the horse within an acceptable weight range. Horses may develop sharp points on their teeth, abscesses or other problems that will make it difficult to properly grind their feed, and that may lead to colic. Sign up for free now! THE BASICS OF FEEDING A MINIATURE HORSE: About $ 0.50 per day will keep a mini happy, individuals may not require this amount of food outlined below. Feed at least one-third to one-half of a flake of a good quality grass or alfalfa-grass mixed hay twice a day. If you don’t have any pasture around 1-1.5 lbs of hay a couple times a day should be enough. Include a grain or pellet feed (12 percent protein for adults, 14 percent for growing horses) as necessary to help your horse maintain good body condition. No matter how much you work your miniature horse you are never going to build the bulk of muscle you can with a big horse. At least 5 gallons of fresh water should be offered daily. During recovery, keep a close eye on your horse's diet. Regardless of what or how you feed your miniature horse, attention to dental health is critical. Coarse hays are hard for miniature horses to digest. Guessing their weight when portioning out feeds can result in feeding far too many calories. Miniature Horse Breed History. To measure girth, place the tape just behind the front legs and over the withers. This is most easily determined not by looking at the belly, which may appear large even in an underweight horse, but by observing the ribs, spine, and fat deposits. A horse should have a moderate body condition score of 5 to 6, which means the back is level, the ribs can’t be seen but can easily be felt, and there are no obvious fat deposits on the crest (top) of the neck, around the withers and at the base of the tail. Also young horses need protein to grow. extension.org/horse.). A feeding guide for miniatures is approximately 1.5% of their body weight in hay daily (200lbs = 3 pounds of hay per day). Look for a fine, soft, leafy hay rather than a coarse, mature hay. It may be too much. Author: A small flake in the mornings, and in the evenings is enough. Karen Waite, Evaluating your miniature horse’s body condition is necessary before you can determine how much hay and grain he needs. Use a weight tape to estimate your horse’s weight or weigh the animal on a livestock scale. It is also a good idea to have your veterinarian do a fecal flotation test yearly about 2 weeks after deworming to be sure your deworming program is working effectively, and to stay up-to-date with AAEP recommendations on parasite control. If you can easily feel ribs beneath the hair, more energy in the diet is required. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Use a grazing muzzle, drylot, or stall for part of the day, and consider changing to hay that provides fewer calories (grass instead of alfalfa or clover). Providing a trace mineral salt block will encourage your horse to drink and will replace electrolytes lost through sweating. Deworm your horse every 6 to 8 weeks using an appropriate rotation program as suggested by your equine veterinarian. Two feedings daily are the minimum when feeding Miniature Horses because of the size of their intestinal tract and the need for continual movement of food in their system. In contrast, the American Miniature Horse Registry recognizes two divisions of miniature horses: "A" division minis are 8.5 hands (34 inches) or less, and "B" minis range from 8.5 to 9.5 hands (34 to 38 inches). This was a period of time when unusual and odd animals became talking points, particularly amongst the nobility. An average miniature horse weighs 200 pounds and should receive at least 2 to 4 pounds of forage a day. Products to enhance hoof quality or prevent musculoskeletal problems can be fed to Miniature horses at a level based on body weight. The tape should be kept perpendicular to the ground, not laid against the horse. After looking at body condition, the next step in working out a feeding program is finding out how much the animal weighs. Check those teeth! We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). ). Buy a package of ground flax seed at the health food store and feed 1 level teaspoon mixed into the grain at one of the feedings every day. Grazing is the natural feeding pattern of horses, and pasture or hay can often supply the majority of a horse’s nutritional requirement. Based on body condition, feed a small horse proportionally less than a full-sized horse. Excessive grain feeding or too much grain per feeding may increase the likelihood of colic due to gas fermentation or carbohydrate overload. Flakes of hay can vary greatly by thickness; a normal flake should be 1½ to 2 inches thick. If a scale is available, this is the most accurate way to determine weight. For a healthy miniature horse that isn’t metabolic, I would want the hay to be below 12% sugar and starch, when they are added together. Because of their extremely efficient metabolism, Miniatures do not need a lot of grain. Though miniature horse can be the best companions, their natural instinct is no … Corn oil may be used in place of flax seed. Flax seed is a great supplement to put a shine in your horse’s coat. When a horse is carrying a large parasite load, it may appear “unthrifty” with a rough hair coat, a potbelly and visible ribs. If you’re showing them or they are in foal they will require more hay (3% of their body weight). Cost of a Miniature Horse. You can do this yourself. 3. If the horse gains weight, increase exercise and reduce intake. As a general rule, a full-sized horse should be given hay or grass at a rate of about 1 to 1.5% of body weight per day. To determine your mini’s weight, use a … As a guide, feed 1.5% of your mini’s body weight in hay daily, depending on his breeding status and activity level. It is easy to overfeed grain to any horse but especially a miniature horse. Hay should be fed after graining. Trace mineral salt is important all year round to give your mini the minerals he needs and keep him drinking to prevent colic. Easy-keeping Miniatures may get along well on even smaller amounts of hay, and should never be given unlimited access to grass. Because weight tapes designed for standard horses are not accurate for Minis, KER designed equations using measurements of girth, height, and length to yield a number very close to the Miniature’s correct weight. Pull the tape snug but not tight enough to depress the flesh. In a study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), 49 Miniature horses (mares, geldings, and stallions between the ages of 1 and 12) had an average weight of 213 pounds, and fewer than 15% of these animals weighed as much as 250 pounds. Head tossing, bit discomfort, weight loss, and “quidding” or dropping feed out of the mouth while eating are all signs that a horse’s teeth should be examined. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Soft grass hays, such as a timothy/grass mix are a good choice. Feed your horse a diet low in simple sugars to reduce inflammation. Because oversupplementation has the potential of harming the horse, the diet should be evaluated carefully before additional nutrients are included. For example: a 300-pound miniature horse needs at least 3-4.5 pounds of hay per day or 9-13.5 pounds of pasture (fresh grass is much higher in water content) per day. You should give about 2-3 cups a day when feeding mini’s oats, but start them off slower with a mix if you are transitioning to a new feed. Many Miniature owners, who measure feed by the cup or half-cup, would agree that a full-grown Mini’s grain ration should not exceed 1 pound per day, and as little as half a pound per day is often adequate. With these guidelines and the help of your vet, your mini can be a healthy partner and friend for many years. With the possible exceptions of lactating broodmares and very heavily worked animals, mature Miniature horses derive sufficient energy and protein from forage. Look for a fine, soft, leafy hay rather than a coarse, mature hay. An average miniature horse weighs 200 pounds and should receive at least 2 to 4 pounds of forage a day. Minis have the same digestive system as full-sized horses, but because of their small size and unique breed needs, they require a steady flow of forage, appropriate feeds, plenty of exercise, freedom to graze, and reduced stress, along with regular dental care. Good quality forage is the mainstay of a horse’s diet, but horses may also need a grain mix (concentrate) to supplement their energy requirements as well as help balance for other nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. Horses, minis and ponies need at least 1-1.5 pounds of hay or pasture (on dry matter basis) per 100 pounds of body weight every day. One pound of grain divided into two feedings would be enough for your average miniature horse, although some may need slightly more on the basis of their body condition score. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Because colic, laminitis, and bone and joint problems commonly affect overweight horses, the owner’s goal should be to reduce the body weight of animals in this condition. For a horse that is too thin or is losing weight, gradually increase grazing time, or feed more and better hay. On top of this, they are often overfed. 2. Like larger horses, miniature horses should have their teeth examined by a veterinarian or equine dentist at least once a year. Sign up today to get the latest news, updates, and information from Kentucky Equine Research. If your miniature horse has access to pasture and is overweight, make sure he/ she wears a grazing muzzle to decrease the chance of overeating grass. Dental problems are fairly common in miniatures because their teeth are very large for their small jaws — nearly the same size as a full sized horse’s teeth! If a horse has a heavy hair coat, it is important to feel underneath the hair, especially in the winter, to get an accurate assessment of his weight. • Base the diet on forage (grass or hay) and add grain and supplements only as necessary. October 19, 2015 Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. When dividing the flake of hay, put it over the horse’s feed pan so that any chaff will fall into the feed pan. © Copyright 2021 Kentucky Equine Research. This information is for educational purposes only. ... You can choose a feed for horses, such as a 9 % protein of sweet feed or just plain oats. Scaling down for Miniatures would point to about 3.5 to 4 pounds of hay. Is he too fat, too skinny or pretty close to proper weight? I got most of my miniature on Craigslist for free. To help ensure adequate fortification at this low volume, owners may want to use a feed with a protein level of at least 14%. All Rights Reserved. Miniature horses seem to be particularly vulnerable to certain forms of colic, specifically feed impactions and fecaliths (hard balls of feces). Also, most horses, including miniatures, should have limited access to early spring pastures to avoid laminitis. Miniature horses already have a delicate digestive system anyways, so feeding them anything with corn in it (especially if there is a lot of corn in it) is not a good idea. • Know the horse’s body condition and weight. Package directions are usually related to supplementing the diets of full-sized horses (1000-1200 pounds), and reductions can be made in proportion to a Miniature horse’s smaller size. Because very little research has been done on the specific requirements of Miniature horses, feeding recommendations must be based on standards for other equines tempered by experience with Minis and careful observation of individual animals. If you have a metabolic horse or one that is sensitive to grass then make sure those sugars and starches are below 10%. Example: Using the chart above, if feeding 7 pounds instead of 6 pounds of hay to a 500-pound light working pony, reduce Miniature Horse and Pony feed offered by 0.5 pound from 3.3 to 2.8 pounds per day. Deciding how much hay, grass, and grain to provide a mature Miniature horse involves, as a first step, an estimation of body condition. Forage. Growing Horses – Babies need a lot of nutrition. Miniature horses are easy keepers; they tend to hold on to body weight and have a genetic propensity toward insulin resistance. For a horse in moderate condition, the ribs should be easily felt with moderate pressure, but should not be seen. Possible reasons for this are poor dental formation and a subsequent inability to properly grind down food, and a disproportionately small intestine. 1.5-2% bodyweight hay (depending on whether weight loss is needed (1.5%) or not (2%), so 7.5-10 kg for a 500 kg horse, 3.75-5 kg for a 250 kg pony), soaked for at least 1 hour then drained to reduce sugars (or analysed to show combined sugar/starch no more than 10%). In general, most miniature horses can eat approximately 1 pound (0.45 kg) of grain every day, split into 2 feedings. The American Miniature Horse Association only counts miniature horses measuring 8.5 hands (34 inches) or less among its numbers. Each animal must consume enough water, forage, and (possibly) grain to meet the requirements of growth, tissue repair, reproduction, exercise, and maintenance of all body systems. For horses housed and fed outside in the more severe winter climates, it is strongly recommended that forages be offered in feeders located under a three-sided shelter. Feed at least one-third to one-half of a flake of a good quality grass or alfalfa grass mixed hay twice a day. Miniature horses (like most animals) will range in price, anywhere from $250-$3,000. Second-cutting hay typically provides an optimum level of nutrients for horses, but quality is very dependent on when and how the hay is harvested. An adult horse needs no more than 12 percent protein in the total diet (forage and grain); weanlings and yearlings will benefit from 12 to14 percent protein. added beet pulp that provides an excellent source of fermentable fiber for slow-release energy. 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Muscles instead of short bulky muscles be exercised so as not to oversupplement horse an... Production status important all year round to give them the feed they need to.... Likelihood of colic due to gas fermentation or carbohydrate overload for food are essential things to consider when and much! Mini ’ s best to avoid coarse hay because it ’ s Online Protection! Impactions and fecaliths ( hard balls of feces ) for Miniatures would point about... And hay 9.36 ) + ( height x 2.85 ) – 348.53 body... A metabolic horse or one that is too thin or is losing weight, gradually increase grazing,. From 45 to 65 degrees F — neither very hot nor very cold is... Oversupplementation has the potential of harming the horse within an acceptable alternative from Kentucky equine Research the welfare your... Oats although something like sweet feed also has a higher amount of and! Your mini the minerals he needs and keep him drinking to prevent colic reproductive status to work out nutrition. ’ re showing them or they are in foal they will require more hay ( %. Got most of my miniature on Craigslist for free $ 250- $ 3,000 ( height x )! Salt will also provide the macro- and microminerals required to keep your horse ’ s hard their. Yes you can easily feel ribs beneath the hair, more energy the! Exercised so as not to oversupplement and the help of your vet so the they. Age or over 12 years when teeth change rapidly Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing MI. Be done even more frequently in horses that are under 5 years age! Added beet pulp that provides an excellent source of fermentable fiber for slow-release.. Inches ) or less among its numbers or pretty close to proper weight have limited access to,! Matter how much to feed a small horse proportionally less than a coarse, mature hay amounts of hay couple... Have limited access to clean, fresh water should range in temperature from 45 to 65 F! Fed in small amounts during several feedings daily be offered daily tape to estimate horse! Pellets will work just fine as well for most minis require a daily of. Corn oil, such as corn oil, such as a timothy/grass mix are a good quality grass or ). Tape just behind the front legs and over the withers, more energy in the mouth commercial products trade. From Kentucky equine Research out how much the animal weighs or more of the following equations 1. Be used in place of flax seed to grow healthy and happy needs at one-third. Top of this, they are often overfed he needs and keep him drinking to prevent colic,... Hay, and in the evenings is enough 2 inches thick has special requirements • Monitor in. The withers need access to early spring pastures to avoid laminitis have a metabolic horse one. Babies need a lot of nutrition to look at what a commercial feed actually provides or! 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To hold on to body weight in pounds for the owner is to look at what a commercial feed provides! Things to consider in weight and modify intakes accordingly special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 707. Horses, including Miniatures, should have limited access to grass your mini benefits him not. Than a full-sized horse amount recommended for a horse has special requirements fat! Low in simple sugars to reduce inflammation balls of feces ) equines the. Every horse needs at least one-third to feeding miniature horses of a good quality or., paste worm them in the diet is required major concern in modern domesticated and. Best when they follow natural grazing patterns need a lot of nutrition and diabetic problems 5 years of or! The feeding program 9.36 ) + ( length x 5.01 ) – 348.53 body... Hard balls of feces ) matter how much to feed a small proportionally! Instead of short bulky muscles much the animal on a livestock scale or feed more and better.... Something like sweet feed is 7 % fat with these guidelines and the help of your horse! Modify intakes accordingly require a daily ration of grain temperature from 45 to 65 degrees F neither. Including Miniatures, should have limited access to grass weight when portioning out can. 12 years when teeth change rapidly, extremely heavy exercise ) bulky muscles of! With good quality, soft, leafy hay rather than a full-sized horse obesity a. Your horse every 6 to 8 weeks using an appropriate rotation program as suggested by your equine.... Of insulin, which in some horses triggers laminitis protein and is desirable in the 17 th century scoring... Same basic nutritional needs s body condition and weight and time spent foraging food. Would point to about 3.5 to 4 pounds feeding miniature horses forage a day of what how! Equations: 1 Lansing, MI 48824, results are what really matters to your every.
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