Some Mini Horse questions. Pic added!!!

CowhorseGal · 10-21-2009, 08:28 AM

Last night we acquired a miniature horse .. or maybe he is a samll pony.. relly not sure. The lady that gave him to my boys called him a pony..
I do have some questions though.. never had one this small.

Concerning vaccines.. I always give them myself.. do I adjust the dose?

Do we apply the 10% of their body weight in hay per feeding? I have been reading another post about the bloated belly and actually being to thin.. due to lack of protein..I can actually see this guys ribs just a tad from certain angles..
I was reading about the tizwhiz feeds.. haven't seen those in my area any suggestions for others?

This gal stated that they only trim his feet about twice a year.. because he is so difficult.. I am thinking more like spoiled.. he is kind of rude on the lead line.. any little trick to help him get over his aversion to foot care?

Anyother quirks or things to wathc out for?

And Please no pink bats!!! when we got home with him last night it was dark and the sun hasn't come up yet.. I will grab some quick pictures when I go out to feed..
He is a sorrel gelding with a flaxen mane and tail.. I don't know how tall he is.. I will measure when I go out.. oh and his name is Sunny.. but honestly I see him becoming known as P.I.A. ( he has resident Pain in the

written all over him...)

CowhorseGal · 10-21-2009, 10:10 AM

Come one guys.. no help for me?..

MiniHorseFosterMom · 10-21-2009, 11:14 AM

The doses we give our small ponies is the same as the large horses for vaccines.

horselady · 10-21-2009, 11:58 AM

Well congrats on the new member of the family, and as stated the dose is not adjusted. just do not do a 5 way, do a couple of vacines at a time.
Worm with a good wormer for bots, (not quest) ivermectin is the one I use, than rotate during the year.I feed a 12% sweet and pellet mixed and a good quality hay , but because mine are in a herd situation I feed larger amounts for the group.
How to judge is the one flake in the am is done, than give another until you know what he will eat without putting on the pounds.
as for his feet, just takes time to trust, and to understand what you want. Treat as a horse even tho he is smaller.

Sharon Danielson · 10-21-2009, 12:21 PM

We have 3 minis. Sounds like the little guy needs some ground manners. I train minis just like a full size horse. I used a rope halter and follow a variety of natural horsemanship trainers... from Clinton Anderson, John Lyons, you know the group... I always reward the good and ignore the bad. As for handling his feet... gradual desensitization. I bet he was really roughed up when they did do his feet so he has built up quite a few defenses and he has probably only gotten worse. The way I start out with a spoiled or terrified type is put a stuffed glove on the end of a stick. That way, you can start touching his legs but keep yourself out of danger. DO NOT TRY TO DO TOO MUCH at one time! People get in a big hurry, and can make things worse. I start out touching his legs where he will let you, then work to push it a bit further but NOT to a point where he is pitching a FIT. Your lesson object is to end on a good note! You might only be able to just lightly touch him with the stick. If you are able to do that.... PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM! Your lesson time might only be 5 minutes but that is ok.... take your time. Don't think his reactions to you are because he has it in for you.... things have happened to him and you need to get him over the past wrongs in his life. You will build a bond with him of trust.... not fear. PRAISE THE GOOD... even if it only a tiny little try on his part. It is rewarding to turn these little guys around. Keep us posted.

Sharon Danielson · 10-21-2009, 12:27 PM

One more thing..... about feeding. Between 3 I give a flake of timothy hay 2X a day. We keep ours on a dry paddock and only let them out on grass for a hour a day, if that. We give them each a vitamin supplement with a few pellets of a "lite-feed." I call them "breath-arians" (they can live on air). We give a three-way vaccine and it is the same dose as a big horse. You can buy a rope halter on Ebay where they will usually make custom to your minis size. Not all minis are created equal....LOL!!! They are a lot of fun and are so versatile. I drive mine and take them to a community care center to visit residents.

CowhorseGal · 10-21-2009, 12:44 PM

thanks guys!

We actually picked up all four feet this morning.so it's the actual prcess that he is going to oblect to... i'll just work him the same way I work my yearlings.. He edfinately needs ground manners and desensitizing.. I use CA. I really did figure the same maethods I use on the big horses would work on the little ones too.. he's 38 inches by the way..
I did find out the the kids where he came from have been roping him.. so he jumps at everything that moves.. I can fix that though

I guess I am still not sure on the hay quantity though.. everyone's flake weighs different.. I will most likely be feedin ghim alfalfa/ grass mix..
about 50/50
And he is not as ribby as he appears.. his hair has almost a breindle type patteern to it .. I can just feel his ribs.. and his top lline is filled in..

I have been reading about the quest issues .. I don't give it to my big horses either so we will stick with the ivermection..

Pictures are commming!!!

kaykay · 10-21-2009, 01:36 PM

Congratulations! Do you know how old he is? If hes under age 2 he needs a good protein feed. I like Equine jr and/or Tiz Whiz 16.

Due to their huge coats you do need to always use your hands to asses his body condition. You shouldnt be able to feel ribs unless you put pressure. Back should be totally flat. If you fell the backbone up then hes underweight.

Most of our 38" horses get a 1.5 lbs of hay per feeding plus grain if they are young or in training

Kay

CowhorseGal · 10-21-2009, 03:29 PM

Thanks Kay Kay i was hoping you would drop in give me your advice!

He appears to be about 10 years old. I can just feel his ribs with a bit of pressure.. and his back is flat.. I will go with the 1.5 lbs of hay per feeding since he is not really in training do you think I need to go with grain as well?
I am sorry my picture isn't better.. my camera went on walkabout and I all I have is my cell phone..

horselady · 10-21-2009, 06:36 PM

He looks ok to me based on the photo, I would not want him any fatter.

kaykay · 10-21-2009, 07:13 PM

I agree with horselady he looks at good weight now especially going into winter. At his age and not working a good hay is probably all he needs. Mature idle horses dont need as much. Hes a cutie. Bet there some power in that back end!

Kay

CowhorseGal · 10-21-2009, 07:27 PM

thanks again everyone.. he should be blast to have around.. we will see how the riding goes. i might even teach him to drive. I haven't done that in a while so it could be fun!

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10-21-2009, 08:28 AM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	Some Mini Horse questions. Pic added!!! Last night we acquired a miniature horse .. or maybe he is a samll pony.. relly not sure. The lady that gave him to my boys called him a pony.. I do have some questions though.. never had one this small. Concerning vaccines.. I always give them myself.. do I adjust the dose? Do we apply the 10% of their body weight in hay per feeding? I have been reading another post about the bloated belly and actually being to thin.. due to lack of protein..I can actually see this guys ribs just a tad from certain angles.. I was reading about the tizwhiz feeds.. haven't seen those in my area any suggestions for others? This gal stated that they only trim his feet about twice a year.. because he is so difficult.. I am thinking more like spoiled.. he is kind of rude on the lead line.. any little trick to help him get over his aversion to foot care? Anyother quirks or things to wathc out for? And Please no pink bats!!! when we got home with him last night it was dark and the sun hasn't come up yet.. I will grab some quick pictures when I go out to feed.. He is a sorrel gelding with a flaxen mane and tail.. I don't know how tall he is.. I will measure when I go out.. oh and his name is Sunny.. but honestly I see him becoming known as P.I.A. ( he has resident Pain in the written all over him...) __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/ Last edited by CowhorseGal : 10-21-2009 at 03:30 PM. Reason: added picture

10-21-2009, 10:10 AM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	Come one guys.. no help for me?.. __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/

10-21-2009, 11:14 AM
MiniHorseFosterMom Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 45	The doses we give our small ponies is the same as the large horses for vaccines.

10-21-2009, 11:58 AM
horselady Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 6,435	Well congrats on the new member of the family, and as stated the dose is not adjusted. just do not do a 5 way, do a couple of vacines at a time. Worm with a good wormer for bots, (not quest) ivermectin is the one I use, than rotate during the year.I feed a 12% sweet and pellet mixed and a good quality hay , but because mine are in a herd situation I feed larger amounts for the group. How to judge is the one flake in the am is done, than give another until you know what he will eat without putting on the pounds. as for his feet, just takes time to trust, and to understand what you want. Treat as a horse even tho he is smaller. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

10-21-2009, 12:21 PM
Sharon Danielson Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA. State Posts: 168	We have 3 minis. Sounds like the little guy needs some ground manners. I train minis just like a full size horse. I used a rope halter and follow a variety of natural horsemanship trainers... from Clinton Anderson, John Lyons, you know the group... I always reward the good and ignore the bad. As for handling his feet... gradual desensitization. I bet he was really roughed up when they did do his feet so he has built up quite a few defenses and he has probably only gotten worse. The way I start out with a spoiled or terrified type is put a stuffed glove on the end of a stick. That way, you can start touching his legs but keep yourself out of danger. DO NOT TRY TO DO TOO MUCH at one time! People get in a big hurry, and can make things worse. I start out touching his legs where he will let you, then work to push it a bit further but NOT to a point where he is pitching a FIT. Your lesson object is to end on a good note! You might only be able to just lightly touch him with the stick. If you are able to do that.... PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM! Your lesson time might only be 5 minutes but that is ok.... take your time. Don't think his reactions to you are because he has it in for you.... things have happened to him and you need to get him over the past wrongs in his life. You will build a bond with him of trust.... not fear. PRAISE THE GOOD... even if it only a tiny little try on his part. It is rewarding to turn these little guys around. Keep us posted. __________________ When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age, you splatter. ~Roy Rogers

10-21-2009, 12:27 PM
Sharon Danielson Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA. State Posts: 168	One more thing..... about feeding. Between 3 I give a flake of timothy hay 2X a day. We keep ours on a dry paddock and only let them out on grass for a hour a day, if that. We give them each a vitamin supplement with a few pellets of a "lite-feed." I call them "breath-arians" (they can live on air). We give a three-way vaccine and it is the same dose as a big horse. You can buy a rope halter on Ebay where they will usually make custom to your minis size. Not all minis are created equal....LOL!!! They are a lot of fun and are so versatile. I drive mine and take them to a community care center to visit residents. __________________ When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age, you splatter. ~Roy Rogers

10-21-2009, 12:44 PM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	thanks guys! We actually picked up all four feet this morning.so it's the actual prcess that he is going to oblect to... i'll just work him the same way I work my yearlings.. He edfinately needs ground manners and desensitizing.. I use CA. I really did figure the same maethods I use on the big horses would work on the little ones too.. he's 38 inches by the way.. I did find out the the kids where he came from have been roping him.. so he jumps at everything that moves.. I can fix that though I guess I am still not sure on the hay quantity though.. everyone's flake weighs different.. I will most likely be feedin ghim alfalfa/ grass mix.. about 50/50 And he is not as ribby as he appears.. his hair has almost a breindle type patteern to it .. I can just feel his ribs.. and his top lline is filled in.. I have been reading about the quest issues .. I don't give it to my big horses either so we will stick with the ivermection.. Pictures are commming!!! __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/

10-21-2009, 01:36 PM
kaykay Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,214	Congratulations! Do you know how old he is? If hes under age 2 he needs a good protein feed. I like Equine jr and/or Tiz Whiz 16. Due to their huge coats you do need to always use your hands to asses his body condition. You shouldnt be able to feel ribs unless you put pressure. Back should be totally flat. If you fell the backbone up then hes underweight. Most of our 38" horses get a 1.5 lbs of hay per feeding plus grain if they are young or in training Kay __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter Ask me about Weefoal mare pregnancy tests that you do on your farm!

10-21-2009, 03:29 PM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	picture update! Thanks Kay Kay i was hoping you would drop in give me your advice! He appears to be about 10 years old. I can just feel his ribs with a bit of pressure.. and his back is flat.. I will go with the 1.5 lbs of hay per feeding since he is not really in training do you think I need to go with grain as well? I am sorry my picture isn't better.. my camera went on walkabout and I all I have is my cell phone.. __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/ Last edited by CowhorseGal : 10-21-2009 at 03:32 PM.

10-21-2009, 06:36 PM
horselady Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 6,435	He looks ok to me based on the photo, I would not want him any fatter. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

10-21-2009, 07:13 PM
kaykay Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,214	I agree with horselady he looks at good weight now especially going into winter. At his age and not working a good hay is probably all he needs. Mature idle horses dont need as much. Hes a cutie. Bet there some power in that back end! Kay __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter Ask me about Weefoal mare pregnancy tests that you do on your farm!

10-21-2009, 07:27 PM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	thanks again everyone.. he should be blast to have around.. we will see how the riding goes. i might even teach him to drive. I haven't done that in a while so it could be fun! __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/