Miniature horses
How big of a fenced in area does 1 miniature horse need if it also gets walks and exercise?
(This one's for a mini owner.) How much does it cost you to keep 1 miniature horse per year and what does this include?(i.e. how much for food, farrier, etc.) I know this probably depends on location, but what i really need is an estimated number.
Can a miniature horse that will just be a pet survive on just grass (if it's not very lush), or does it also need hay and grain?
I've heaerd minis can get "founder" easily. What is this and is it a big hassle when owning a mini? Does it require expensive medication to prevent?
How many times per year does a mini need its hooves trimmed?
Thank you for your help!!
Answers:They can do with a fairly small area, but I'm a big believer that horses always need space to move and graze. I have my two Minis on a one acre pasture and while they could do with less space, personally I wouldn't want to keep them on anything much smaller.
I'm guessing that I spend about $1000 per Mini. That includes hay (bought in bulk), farrier, routine vet, worming. I keep mine at home so that's without boarding costs, and also excludes tack, supplies, and emergency expenses.
You will probably need to supplement with hay at least part of the year. Most Minis are VERY easy keepers and it doesn't take much to feed them. I feed my two Minis and one sheep on a single flake of hay a day.