Advice on caring for new Mini

kanoo32 · 08-19-2008, 11:17 AM

So, I got a mini this weekend. He is to be a companion for a handicapped OTTB that I have. Hopefully they are gonna be best friends.

I need some tips and pointers on caring for a mini. Obviously, I have pplenty of horse experience, but I have never had a mini. What do I need to know about feeding him etc. The biggest problem I have so far is restraining him. I went to worm him this morning and he put up a little fight, and I am afraid I will hurt him if I restrain him or discipline him, so as funny as it may sound I kind of let him run all over me. Well, the best he can at 27" tall.

Amazing little creature, he is like the size of my dog. He has perfect horse features just in tiny form. I am fascinated by him. I have to admit I am smitten.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me on keeping him happy and healthy!

dodib · 08-19-2008, 11:24 AM

Well I can;t help with the care etc.. but where are the pictures????

kanoo32 · 08-19-2008, 11:25 AM

Well, someday I am gonna learn how to post pics, but I haven't yet!

Freedomnchrist · 08-19-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanoo32

Well, someday I am gonna learn how to post pics, but I haven't yet!

Can you send it to me...I can post it for you!!!

BarnBum · 08-19-2008, 11:32 AM

The biggest thing I find with my mini is that he is to get at their level when doing anything !!

My mini is a very easy keeper. He is on daily wormer and he gets more daily wormer (500#) in one feeding than he does grain in both feedings. I just give him literally a table spoon full of a complete pellet am/pm just so he thinks he is getting something !! Hay, he gets coastal and OA.

Handling, you just gotta be easier and not make quick motion.

I love my mini !! He too is a companion.

I am not sure if yours is stalled or not, but I put up a stall gaurd on the front of my minis stall so he can look out. Stall door too high for him !

BarnBum · 08-19-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodib

Well I can;t help with the care etc.. but where are the pictures????

I am going to stick up for you Kanoo.....so noone throws tomatoes b/c of no pictures.............

We have been dealing with a hurricane the last couple days !!!

Freedomnchrist · 08-19-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarnBum

I am going to stick up for you Kanoo.....so noone throws tomatoes b/c of no pictures.............

We have been dealing with a hurricane the last couple days !!!

kanoo32 · 08-19-2008, 11:42 AM

I am trying to get a handle on the picture thing. I am taking advantage of the hurricane thing and I just got a photobucket account, and am in the process of sending some pics from my cellphone(what I take all my pics with) to the photobucket thingy. Then I have to figure out how to get them from photobucket to here, so bear with me.

BarnBum thanks for sticking up for me, I allready fell in the knee deep water today and rolled around in the mud when my golloshes got stuck, so I really don't need tomatoes thrown at me.

dodib · 08-19-2008, 12:37 PM

Oh wow I didn't even look where you were from--ok you get a pass for a few days

Hope the hurricane misses you--stay safe

minihoof · 08-19-2008, 01:11 PM

On the care of your new mini he shouldn't have anymore that 1cup of grain a day unless he is a hard keeper and a small flake of hay twice a day. If he is getting to fat cut back to 1/2 cup of grain and adjust the hay accordingly. On making him mind it is cute to let him rule but remember he is a horse and although little he can still hurt you. You don't want a horse that will chase you out of the pasture bite and kick you that isn't a fun animal. Twitch his nose to worm him. He might not have ever been wormed before. Be patient on introducing him to new things but don't let him get away with anything. They are small but mighty they can pull twice their weight.

horselady · 08-19-2008, 01:24 PM

Congrats on the new mini. I have had up to 85 of the little ones. and have never needed to twitch their noses. Never on a big horse either.
Sometimes they are just afraid and act up until they trust.
If you need to worm them right away then put wormer into food.
Handle daily to gain trust. halter leadlinel etc. than hands on with easy steady stroking. Short quick strokes make them jittery.
Sometimes I straddle and hold their body with my legs and one arm under their neck and stroke with my free hand.
Takes time,but they do learn quick and are smart and strong.
If the little one takes off and you are trying to hold with a lead line, let him go or you will be dragged in more mud. Been there done that.
Good luck have fun, and do not over feed with apples and carrots.

Stormy's Human · 08-19-2008, 01:35 PM

I have to agree with everyone else - don't over feed - it is so easy to do with them. They are also very smart and learn very quickly. Mine just turned 3 in March and I am getting ready to send him to the trainer's in October to train to pull a cart - I can't wait!!!!!

kanoo32 · 08-19-2008, 03:35 PM

He is 11 years old and has been handled, is halter broken, leads etc.......He is a stallion though and will take advantage andhas not been made to behave. I do not want to bully him but he needs to behave for wormings and such!

pasopony · 08-19-2008, 03:47 PM

Don't be afraid to treat him just like a big horse. A sharp tug on the halter or a smack with a crop if he's acting up. He may be little, but he's still a stallion and needs to have manners and respect for you.

My minis are all dry lotted and fed hay. They literally get 1/2 cup feed twice a day, and I have to be careful at that. No sweet feed, only pellets (low starch). You have to be careful because many folks kill them with kindness by over feeding and causing founder or metabolic disorders.

kaykay · 08-20-2008, 05:59 AM

Never use Quest dewormer on a mini

Use banamine instead of bute when you can as bute is very hard on minis

Feed is such an indivual thing. We use complete feed (equine jr) on all horses thru 2 years old and we feed a lot more then 1/2 cup. Young growing horses need a lot of good feed. Idle mature horses just need good hay or pasture.

I have to say there are a lot of minis out there underfed because people take seriously the "handful of hay" and tiny bits of grain too seriously. Remember if a mini has a big bloated stomach its because its too thin not fat.

If your wanting him as a companion you might want to think about gelding him.

Congrats and have fun!

kanoo32 · 08-20-2008, 07:41 AM

He will be gelded immediately!

I don't really put too much stock in feeding anything a hadful of feed, especially in South Florida. Currently he is getting about 2 quarts of a very good sweet feed mixed with an excellent pellet. Mineral supplementation, Source, Flax and an Electrolyte. He gets basically free choice O/A that is very good quality. I do feel that at the moment he is on the thin side, but at the same time I don't want to kill him with kindness. He has been dewormed and had his teeth done, so now I guess I will just play it by ear. He is soooooo little, especially when you are accustomed to being around these enormous racehorses all day.

BarnBum · 08-20-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

Use banamine instead of bute when you can as bute is very hard on minis

My mini is allergic to banamine........found out the hard way

He had a very mild colic, gave him some banamine, he broke out into hives and itching and swllen face. Like he wasn't feeling bad enough

He made out ok.

BarnBum · 08-20-2008, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanoo32

He is 11 years old and has been handled, is halter broken, leads etc.......He is a stallion though and will take advantage andhas not been made to behave. I do not want to bully him but he needs to behave for wormings and such!

Sounds like a pistol. Sounds like my little guy when I got him, stud and fiesty !! (10yo) Gelded him and he turned into a sweet little gentleman.

They are alot of fun and have such a sweet personality. Enjoy !!

kanoo32 · 08-20-2008, 11:32 AM

I think I will like him quite well, he is really full of himself, especially at feed time! So cute! He just f ascinates me, he is so little!

ToveroMom · 08-24-2008, 08:54 AM

You may find that is very much too much grain for a mini.
My mare gets about a cup twice a day of a pelleted 12/8 ration and she is big as a house on pasture.
I know you know your horse business but a handful of grain is about what they take. They are way different in their needs.
When you can I would love to see a pic of the little guy too.

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08-19-2008, 11:17 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	Advice on caring for new Mini So, I got a mini this weekend. He is to be a companion for a handicapped OTTB that I have. Hopefully they are gonna be best friends. I need some tips and pointers on caring for a mini. Obviously, I have pplenty of horse experience, but I have never had a mini. What do I need to know about feeding him etc. The biggest problem I have so far is restraining him. I went to worm him this morning and he put up a little fight, and I am afraid I will hurt him if I restrain him or discipline him, so as funny as it may sound I kind of let him run all over me. Well, the best he can at 27" tall. Amazing little creature, he is like the size of my dog. He has perfect horse features just in tiny form. I am fascinated by him. I have to admit I am smitten. Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me on keeping him happy and healthy! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-19-2008, 11:24 AM
dodib Started Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ravenna, MI Posts: 2,594	Well I can;t help with the care etc.. but where are the pictures???? __________________ Dorthy www.freewebs.com/brownranch/

08-19-2008, 11:25 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	Well, someday I am gonna learn how to post pics, but I haven't yet! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-19-2008, 11:32 AM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,609	The biggest thing I find with my mini is that he is to get at their level when doing anything !! My mini is a very easy keeper. He is on daily wormer and he gets more daily wormer (500#) in one feeding than he does grain in both feedings. I just give him literally a table spoon full of a complete pellet am/pm just so he thinks he is getting something !! Hay, he gets coastal and OA. Handling, you just gotta be easier and not make quick motion. I love my mini !! He too is a companion. I am not sure if yours is stalled or not, but I put up a stall gaurd on the front of my minis stall so he can look out. Stall door too high for him ! __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !! Last edited by BarnBum : 08-19-2008 at 11:43 AM.

08-19-2008, 11:42 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	I am trying to get a handle on the picture thing. I am taking advantage of the hurricane thing and I just got a photobucket account, and am in the process of sending some pics from my cellphone(what I take all my pics with) to the photobucket thingy. Then I have to figure out how to get them from photobucket to here, so bear with me. BarnBum thanks for sticking up for me, I allready fell in the knee deep water today and rolled around in the mud when my golloshes got stuck, so I really don't need tomatoes thrown at me. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-19-2008, 12:37 PM
dodib Started Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ravenna, MI Posts: 2,594	Oh wow I didn't even look where you were from--ok you get a pass for a few days Hope the hurricane misses you--stay safe __________________ Dorthy www.freewebs.com/brownranch/

08-19-2008, 01:11 PM
minihoof Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hersey, Mich Posts: 34	On the care of your new mini he shouldn't have anymore that 1cup of grain a day unless he is a hard keeper and a small flake of hay twice a day. If he is getting to fat cut back to 1/2 cup of grain and adjust the hay accordingly. On making him mind it is cute to let him rule but remember he is a horse and although little he can still hurt you. You don't want a horse that will chase you out of the pasture bite and kick you that isn't a fun animal. Twitch his nose to worm him. He might not have ever been wormed before. Be patient on introducing him to new things but don't let him get away with anything. They are small but mighty they can pull twice their weight.

08-19-2008, 01:24 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,307	Congrats on the new mini. I have had up to 85 of the little ones. and have never needed to twitch their noses. Never on a big horse either. Sometimes they are just afraid and act up until they trust. If you need to worm them right away then put wormer into food. Handle daily to gain trust. halter leadlinel etc. than hands on with easy steady stroking. Short quick strokes make them jittery. Sometimes I straddle and hold their body with my legs and one arm under their neck and stroke with my free hand. Takes time,but they do learn quick and are smart and strong. If the little one takes off and you are trying to hold with a lead line, let him go or you will be dragged in more mud. Been there done that. Good luck have fun, and do not over feed with apples and carrots. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

08-19-2008, 01:35 PM
Stormy's Human Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,230	I have to agree with everyone else - don't over feed - it is so easy to do with them. They are also very smart and learn very quickly. Mine just turned 3 in March and I am getting ready to send him to the trainer's in October to train to pull a cart - I can't wait!!!!!

08-19-2008, 03:35 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	He is 11 years old and has been handled, is halter broken, leads etc.......He is a stallion though and will take advantage andhas not been made to behave. I do not want to bully him but he needs to behave for wormings and such! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-19-2008, 03:47 PM
pasopony Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 820	Don't be afraid to treat him just like a big horse. A sharp tug on the halter or a smack with a crop if he's acting up. He may be little, but he's still a stallion and needs to have manners and respect for you. My minis are all dry lotted and fed hay. They literally get 1/2 cup feed twice a day, and I have to be careful at that. No sweet feed, only pellets (low starch). You have to be careful because many folks kill them with kindness by over feeding and causing founder or metabolic disorders. __________________ Horses are not my whole life, but horses make my life whole.

08-20-2008, 05:59 AM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 555	Never use Quest dewormer on a mini Use banamine instead of bute when you can as bute is very hard on minis Feed is such an indivual thing. We use complete feed (equine jr) on all horses thru 2 years old and we feed a lot more then 1/2 cup. Young growing horses need a lot of good feed. Idle mature horses just need good hay or pasture. I have to say there are a lot of minis out there underfed because people take seriously the "handful of hay" and tiny bits of grain too seriously. Remember if a mini has a big bloated stomach its because its too thin not fat. If your wanting him as a companion you might want to think about gelding him. Congrats and have fun! __________________ 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

08-20-2008, 07:41 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	He will be gelded immediately! I don't really put too much stock in feeding anything a hadful of feed, especially in South Florida. Currently he is getting about 2 quarts of a very good sweet feed mixed with an excellent pellet. Mineral supplementation, Source, Flax and an Electrolyte. He gets basically free choice O/A that is very good quality. I do feel that at the moment he is on the thin side, but at the same time I don't want to kill him with kindness. He has been dewormed and had his teeth done, so now I guess I will just play it by ear. He is soooooo little, especially when you are accustomed to being around these enormous racehorses all day. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-20-2008, 11:32 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	I think I will like him quite well, he is really full of himself, especially at feed time! So cute! He just f ascinates me, he is so little! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-24-2008, 08:54 AM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,299	You may find that is very much too much grain for a mini. My mare gets about a cup twice a day of a pelleted 12/8 ration and she is big as a house on pasture. I know you know your horse business but a handful of grain is about what they take. They are way different in their needs. When you can I would love to see a pic of the little guy too. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson