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Miniature Horses are the smallest horse breed in the world. Originating from Shetlands and other pony breeds, modern breeding programs aim to produce minis with physical characteristics that resemble full-sized horses in a smaller package.
Minis are too small for riding. But these pint-sized horses have gained popularity with owners of all ages as companions, show horses, driving horses and even guide animals for blind people.
However, the selective breeding responsible for their small size also increase the risk of several health problems in Miniature Horses. These horses have unique management needs compared to their full-sized cousins.
This article will review the origin, history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Miniature Horse breed. Keep reading to learn more about caring for and feeding Minis.
Miniature Horse Breed History
While small ancestors of horses existed in prehistoric times, it took centuries of selective breeding to produce the Miniature Horses we know today. The short stature that once allowed them to work as pit ponies now makes the breed a beloved companion animal.
Origin
The small size of some prehistoric horse breeds was a result of harsh climates and limited feed supply. Today, the modern Miniature Horse’s stature is the product of strategic breeding programs focusing specifically on size. [1]
Miniature Horses today can trace their lineage to 18th-century Europe, with articles and paintings from as early as 1765 depicting tiny equines that fascinated nobility and performed jobs that full-size horses couldn’t.
Shetland Ponies served as the foundation breed of Miniature horses. Small horses from other breeds, such as the Hackney, were crossed with the ponies to refine the breed further.
Distinct types of Miniature horses arose from regional breeding programs. One example is the Falabella, a miniature breed developed in Argentina in the mid-1800s by Patrick Newtall and his son-in-law, Juan Falabella. [1]
Historic Use
Miniature horses were bred during the Renaissance as pets for European nobility. However, not all historical minis led pampered lives. These small equines also worked in Northern European coal mines as pit ponies, their size being an advantage for underground work.
English and Dutch pit ponies crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the 19th century, and their descendants worked in Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. [2]
While records indicate the first small horse was imported to North America by 1888, American Miniature Horses had little public awareness until 1960.
Breed Registry
The American Miniature Horse Association maintains the largest registry of Miniature Horses globally, with over 240,000 minis registered by members in 38 countries.
The AMHAwas founded in 1978 in Arlington, Texas, to promote mini horses in North America. Horses must meet the height breed standards to be eligible for registration with the AMHA.
In 1987, the association closed the studbook and began limiting registration to offspring from AMHA-registered parents to preserve the breed’s integrity.
Breed Characteristics
Miniature Horses are about the same size as large dogs, but the breed packs a lot of personality into their small size. These horses are also surprisingly versatile and stand apart from other small breeds thanks to their elegant conformation.
Conformation
Miniature Horses cannot exceed 34 inches in height at the withers. The ideal Mini is a small version of a well-balanced horse, with conformational proportions closer to full-size light breeds than popular pony breeds.
Their conformation and movement should give a general impression of symmetry, agility, strength, and alertness regardless of size. When breeding prioritizes size over soundness, the resulting offspring may have conformational faults that compromise the animal’s health.
Colours
Miniature horses can be any coat colour. All white markings and coat patterns are considered acceptable in the breed.
Temperament
Temperaments can vary depending on the mini’s personality, but most Miniatures have willing temperaments and gentle dispositions. These horses are often intelligent, curious, and playful.
Although these horses are significantly smaller than other breeds, proper handling and training are still essential for horse and human safety.
Disciplines
Miniatures are excellent companion animals for humans and other horses. However, many mini owners enjoy participating in several competitive disciplines with these horses.
These horses are too small to ride, even for most children. But they can learn to pull an adult in a small buggy for driving disciplines. In addition, many Miniature Horses show in hand in halter, jumping, and obstacle divisions.
Some Miniature Horses serve as guide animals for individuals with visual disabilities. Research suggests minis can learn many of the same tasks as guide dogs, but some local laws may not recognize horses as service animals. [3]
Miniature Horse Health
While Miniature Horses have similar basic care needs to full-size horses, the breed is also susceptible to unique health challenges. In addition, the selective inbreeding responsible for their diminutive size also predisposes minis to traits that significantly impact welfare.
Dwarfism
Dwarfism is one of the biggest health concerns in Miniature Horses. Although better breeding practices have reduced the incidence of this condition, it is still a significant concern for Miniature Horse breeders.
A mutation in the ACAN gene causes this genetic condition. Dwarf Miniatures are characterized by abnormally short legs, undershot jaws, and short necks. These horses sometimes also have bulging foreheads and upturned noses. [4]
The condition is associated with contracted tendons, club feet, and joint problems that can lead to progressive ambulatory disabilities. In addition, scoliosis and other vertebral deviations are common. Some Miniature Dwarfs also display signs of mental disorders like depression.
Research suggests that the gene responsible for Dwarfism gained prevalence in the Mini Horse population due to the selective breeding of heterozygous carriers with reduced stature. [11]
To promote responsible breeding, the AMHA will refuse to register a Miniature exhibiting dwarf characteristics. Breeders can determine if their minis are carriers for the dwarfism gene through genetic testing.
Health Problems
The following health problems are more prevalent in minis due to their small stature and breed genetics.
Dental Issues
Dental issues are more common in Miniature Horses than in full-sized horses. Minis often have large teeth relative to their small head size and struggle with malerupted teeth, sinusitis, and jaw deformities. [5]
Routine dental care is especially important for this breed. Owners should schedule the first oral exam for newborn foals shortly after birth to identify abnormalities and continue regular appointments to maintain teeth balance. [5]
Gut Problems
Poor chewing can increase the risk of gut issues, including fecaliths and enteroliths in minis. These rocklike impactions develop from debris in the horse’s colon and often require surgical removal. Minis are also more susceptible to impaction due to sand colic. [6]
Labor Dystocia
Discrepancies between the pelvic size in Mini mares and fetal head size can also increase the risk of dystocia. This condition involves slow, difficult or obstructed delivery due to abnormal fetal size or position. [7] A Cesarean section may be required.
Because of the risks associated with parturition in Miniature Horses, breeders should closely monitor pregnant mares during their last trimester. Gestational length is often shorter in Minis than in other horses, with an average of 320 days. [7]
Hyperlipemia
Miniatures also store fat easily. If they go off their feed due to stress, or any other reason, their bodies may mobilize fat in excessive amounts. This excess fat mobilization can lead to hyperlipemia, which can cause liver and other organ failure. The mortality rate for hyperlipemia is 60-100%, so quick intervention is critical. [8]
Good dietary management can help minimize the risk of hyperlipemia. Any loss of appetite should be addressed immediately to determine if supportive therapy is necessary. [1]
Heavily pregnant mares can also develop hyperlipemia as a result of a negative energy balance. This can occur when the large pregnant uterus takes up so much room in the abdomen that she does not eat sufficient calories.
Lameness
Other health problems include upward fixation of the patella and luxated patella. These stifle conditions can cause long-term lameness and mobility problems without treatment. [9]
Vision Issues
Some Miniatures with a “bugged-out” eye appearance have cornea abnormalities caused by anterior segment dysgenesis. This condition increases the risk of vision loss in Minis. [10]
Care and Management
Miniature Horses need the same quality basic care as all horses. Work with your veterinarian to develop an annual wellness program with regularly scheduled deworming and vaccinations.
While Miniatures may require less space than bigger horses, they still need safe housing and regular turnout. Closely inspect fencing on your farm to ensure your Miniature cannot escape through Mini-sized gaps between fence boards.
Some horse owners use Miniature Horses as companions for full-size horses. While Miniatures can safely live with bigger horses, owners should be aware of their Mini’s increased risk of injury and make introductions slowly. If possible, keep Minis and full-sized horses separate.
While Miniature Horses rarely wear shoes, regular trimming and farrier care are essential for maintaining hoof balance and managing angular limb deformities. Look for a qualified farrier with experience with the breed. [12]
Nutrition Program
The ideal feeding plan for any Miniature Horse depends on their weight, activity level, physiological status and existing health concerns.
However, the breed’s small size and predisposition to metabolic syndrome with resultant obesity and laminitis can make it challenging to formulate an appropriate diet for these horses.
Working with an equine nutritionist will ensure that your Mini gets everything he needs in the correct amounts.
Weight Maintenance
Miniature Horses are easy keepers, who have unique feeding and management requirements to ensure they maintain an appropriate body condition.
Because of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and their pony heritage, these horses quickly become overweight if provided a diet with excess calories. Laminitis may result in minis with metabolic disorders.
Owners often inadvertently overfeed their minis because they overestimate their body weight. Most Miniature Horses weigh between 150 and 350 pounds, only 15-35% of an average-sized horse.
To prevent their Minis from becoming obese, owners should regularly evaluate their weight using a scale or weight tape and closely monitor their body condition score.
On the other hand, provision of appropriate calories in Miniature Horses is critical for the avoidance of hyperlipemia.
Sample Diet
Miniatures, like all horses, should consume about 2% of their body weight in forage per day to support optimal behaviour and gut health. For a 200 lb (90 kg) Mini, that is equivalent to 4 pounds of hay daily.
Depending on the hay you have available, that might be just one flake per day. However, it is very important to weigh your forage to ensure you feed the correct amount.
Minis known or suspected to have metabolic syndrome should have hay with ESC (simple sugars) + starch below 10%.
Fresh water and plain loose salt should also be available to Miniature Horses at all times. Adding one tablespoon of salt to your Mini’s ration will ensure he meets his sodium requirements.
The following sample diet is intended for a mature Miniature Horse with normal body condition at maintenance.
| Feed | Maintenance Diet |
|---|---|
| (Amount / Day) | |
| Mid-Quality hay (10% crude protein) | 4 lb |
| Salt | 15 g (1 tbsp) |
| AminoTrace+ | 50 g (0.5 scoops) |
| Diet Analysis | |
| Digestible Energy (% of Req)* | 106% |
| Protein (% of Req) | 142% |
| NSC (ESC + starch) (% Diet) | 8.7% |
*This diet analysis is based on NRC requirements and an average forage analysis. For a more precise assessment of your horse’s diet, submit a forage sample for analysis and consult with an equine nutritionist.
Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ is added to this sample diet to fill gaps in the forage-based diet, ensuring that vitamin and mineral requirements are met and provided in appropriate ratios. AminoTrace+ is a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement suitable for all horses, especially those that are prone to metabolic syndrome, such as minis.
Forage Selection
Low-calorie mature grass with ESC + starch below 10% is the best option for this breed to limit excess dietary energy that could lead to weight gain.
When low-calorie grass hay is not available, overweight minis may benefit from being fed chopped straw, so long as their teeth are in good shape.
Compared to mature grass hay, there is little calorie difference and straw will be less palatable. Straw is also lower in protein and often minerals so more supplementation may be needed. Straw with seed heads containing grain should not be used. Straw should also be free of discoloration and fresh smelling as it is prone to molding.
Alfalfa hay is energy-dense and can contribute to the formation of enteroliths in the digestive tract, so is not recommended for Miniature Horses. [15]
Pasture access may need to be eliminated or carefully controlled with a grazing muzzle, especially in minis with a history of laminitis or known to have metabolic syndrome.
Feeding Recommendations
Excess grass intake can lead to weight gain in minis. Miniature horses with access to pasture may need to wear a grazing muzzle to slow down grass intake. Owners should consider turning Minis out in dry lots with appropriately selected hay.
Avoid placing your mini’s feed directly on the ground to prevent intake of sand or dirt, which can lead to colic. If your mini lives in a sandy environment, feeding psyllium can help manage these risks.
While Minis need smaller forage rations, they should be provided with free-choice forage at all times to maintain consistent intake throughout the day. Feeding hay in a slow feeder will ensure you can provide your mini with unrestricted access to forage while slowing down consumption to prevent overeating.
Note that slow feeders or nets designed for standard size horses won’t work for minis. The best arrangement is double netting using nets with holes no larger than 1 inch.
Free-choice forage, also decreases stress, which helps reduce the risk of hyperlipemia. Minis without access to forage are more likely to scavenge and consume debris that can lead to fecaliths and sand colic. [14]
Vitamins & Minerals
Miniatures have the same NRC Nutrient Requirements as full-sized horses, just adjusted for body weight.
While a forage-based diet is best for your Mini, hay is usually deficient in several essential nutrients that are required for optimal health. [13]
Common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in horses include:
A comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement can help fill these gaps to ensure your Mini gets all the nutrients he needs for hoof health, coat quality, metabolic function and more.
Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ is a concentrated vitamin and mineral balancer formulated with enhanced levels of key nutrients, including 100% organic trace minerals, amino acids, and yeast to keep your Miniature horse looking and feeling their best. AminoTrace+ is specifically designed to meet the needs of horses at higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
Miniature Horse owners should pay close attention to recommended serving sizes for commercial feeds and supplements and adjust according to body weight to avoid over-supplementing.
Nutritional Supplements
Miniature Horses can benefit from nutritional supplements that provide targeted support for common health issues. Horse owners should work with an equine nutritionist to develop a feeding program based on appropriate serving sizes for the breed.
Mad Barn’s Optimum Digestive Health is a probiotic and prebiotic supplement that can help to support gut health and digestive function in Miniature Horses. It is formulated with yeast, digestive enzymes, toxin binders and immune nucleotides to promote hindgut fermentation and support the microbiome.
Senior miniature horses are at higher risk of joint health issues, such as osteoarthritis. You can support your Mini’s joints by feeding MSM – a natural supplement that supports healthy cartilage and collagen in joint tissue.
Because minis are prone to metabolic syndrome and therefore are at increased risk of laminitis, they may benefit from supplementation with jiaogulan. This herbal supplement is an adaptogen which assists the body in homeostatic regulation of stress responses. It also increases nitric oxide within blood vessels to improve blood delivery to the hooves.
References
- UC Davis Center for Equine Health. The Miniature Horse: More than Just a Smaller Horse. CEH Horse Report. 2012.
- Jones, A. Pit ponies: real horsepower underground. CIM Magazine. 2014.
- Hossain, E. et al. State of the art review on walking support system for visually impaired people. Int J Biomechatron Biomed Robot. 2011.
- Boegheim, I. et al. Current insights into the molecular genetic basis of dwarfism in livestock. Vet J. 2017. View Summary
- DeBowes, R. et al. Congenital Dental Disease of Horses.Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 1998.
- Cohen, N. Epidemiology of Colic. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 1997. View Summary
- Ashraf, R. et al. Normal, Induced, and Difficult Parturitions in Equines – A Review. Agrobiol Rec. 2022.
- Moore, B. et al. Hyperlipemia in 9 Miniature Horses and Miniature Donkeys. J Vet Intern Med. 1994. View Summary
- Engelbert, T. et al. Lateral Patellar Luxation in Miniature Horses. Vet Surg. 1993. View Summary
- Plummer, C. et al. A Survey of ocular abnormalities in Miniature Horses. Vet Ophthalmol. 2011. View Summary
- Graves, K. et al. Heterozygotes for ACAN dwarfism alleles in horses have reduced stature. Anim Genet. 2020. View Summary
- Smith, L. Treatment of angular limb deformities in foals. In Pract. 2010.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Horses. National Academies. 2007.
- House, A. et al. Nutritional management of recurrent colic and colonic impactions. Equine Vet Ed. 2016.
- Hassel, D. et al. Dietary Risk Factors and Colonic pH and Mineral Concentrations in Horses with Enterolithiasis. J Vet Intern Med. 2008. View Summary
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