Remember YOUR first mini?

[dali1111]

We usually pay $5 a square bale. My two eat a bale a week...mind you they are very small but it is Alberta so we have nasty winters. They also get a complete feed...I dont know the price. They also get BOSS but it doesnt cost that much. Hoof trims are $40 I think but I have an amazing farrier that really knows minis and i rasp in between trims so that dont need it that often. The biggest vet cost will probably be travel fees. Not sure about the wormers and vaccines but my mom and I do them ourselves. Have fun.

 

[Rebecca]

I've also heard other varied prices for farrier costs, most 15-30 dollars. How often should the farrier come and trim/look at my mini's feet?

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[Rebecca]

Another question-

: About how much paddock and stall space does a mini need?

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[Rocky1]

I live in Ontario, Canada, so my prices won't be fair so I just won't mention them. But as for paddock space, I use 1 acre per regular sized horse so I would say 1/2 an acre per mini. They may be much smaller, but they still love to gallop around and have the space to do so. Also since you are asking the land MUST be cleared, not a wooded lot. One or 2 trees is fine for shade. An outdoor shelter is good too. You can use the car shelters they have at Dept. stores. But they are ment to be temporary, so save your change for a decent metal or wood one. Or if your barn is attached to your paddock, then you can always attach the shelter to the barn, this way when it's time to bring him/them in they are already under shelter and you don't have to shovel out a door way from mud or snow. But you will have to shovel away the poop that gathers at the door. Also once/twice a week you should muck out your paddock. It keep the bugs down and worms like to hide in manure so when you take it away the horses can't get into it. Good luck with your mini!!

 

[targetsmom]

The size of the stall often depends on what is available. Our mini stalls are 6 x 8 feet which is probably the minimum size, but it was what fit, and our minis are all 34" or under so it works. (We have bigger stalls for foaling). A regular size horse stall of 10x10 or 12 X 12 is also fine, or you can even divide a horse stall. You want lots of ventilation because the minis are a lot closer to the ground (and amonia smell) than big horses. Also, the stalls must be safe, which means no nails sticking out, nothing for them to chew on, get feet caught in or under, climb on, etc. You might want to have someone else check out your set -up. Also, your grain must be locked up where the mini can't possibly get at it - preferably in a can where the mice won't get to it either. While I think of it, never leave a halter on your mini, except when tied or being led.

They can catch their halters on all kinds of things or even get feet caught in them.

We turn our minis out every day in a dry lot (sand ring) with access to a huge stall and other overhang areas. They also get out onto grass for about 1-2 hours a day in a larger area. And every so often we let them run wild in the one acre horse pasture where they can really gallop! But we don't leave them there. (And the big horse isn't there when they are). Lots of people have minis in small areas where they don't get to run like that and they seem to do fine. They do like company though!

 

[Rebecca]

Thanx! :aktion033: That was really helpful, so now I KNOW I have enough space for Tango

: plus some!

 

[Rebecca]

While I think of it, never leave a halter on your mini, except when tied or being led.

They can catch their halters on all kinds of things or even get feet caught in them.

Thabk you for this bit of info!

: Will DEFINATLY remember that! I don't want any of my animals hurt!

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[Rebecca]

OK, I know, 'Jeez, another question!' But yes,

: I have another- What time do you feed your mini(s) in the morning and evening?

 

[sedeh]

I would strongly suggest finding a mini breeder in your area. Look at Lil Beginnings Breeders connect and I'll bet you'll find a forum member near you. Most mini breeders wouldn't mind having you over for a few hours. That way you can get the hands-on information that you need. Might even be a good idea to visit a few mini farms if you can......because everyone does things slightly different. In the end, you have to pick what works best for you. As far as time of day you feed......depends if you're a 2 time a day feeder or 3. Mostly pick the times and make them consistant as possible. Oh, and I don't believe you can post a pic of a horse you're thinking of buying....only after the purchase is made. Good luck! :bgrin

 

[Magic]

OK, I know, 'Jeez, another question!' But yes,

: I have another- What time do you feed your mini(s) in the morning and evening?

Generally, whatever works best for you. I agree that it is good to feed as close to the same times as possible, if you can.

I have friends that work full time and have to feed their horses by 5 am at the latest. In the winter I like to SEE my horses in the daylight so I wait til the sun is up to feed them.

They get fed before I do. So in the winter they get fed later in the morning than in the summer, when the days are so much longer. IMO it is best to feed horses at least twice a day, since they are grazing animals they are used to having food in their stomachs at all times. Three times a day is even better, if you can do it.

Feeding time is the perfect time to check each horse for normal behavior, make sure they don't have any injuries and aren't acting "off"-- lame or with no appetite, etc. Also, keep checking under all their hair with your hands to be able to tell right away if they are getting too fat or too thin.

Enjoy your new horse!

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[Rebecca]

: Will do!