Miniature horses make wonderful pets; you should be able to adopt a mini fairly easily through a horse rescue organization, buy one from an auction, on the Internet, or from an individual owner. There is no need to spend a huge amount of money to buy a miniature horse when there are those that didn't meet the standards to be used as guide or therapy horses that need loving homes.
If you want a pet that will be with you a very long time, a mini horse is the perfect choice. Miniature horses live about a third longer than the large sized riding horse. Janet Burleson is a miniature horse owner who has two minis that are 35 years old now and still very healthy and active.
Miniature horses can be trained to spend time with you in your home; they are very intelligent and can be house broken, just like a dog. It should also be noted that mini horses do not prefer to live indoors. They are outside animals. Your mini will enjoy the freedom to come in and out of the home. If it is your preference to have a mini horse in the home, the very small minis and dwarfs may be able to fit through a large or modified doggy door.
You might want to watch your mini horse around the refrigerator; they learn very quickly how to help themselves. Mini horses should not have lots of food meant for humans. They are just like kids, they like candy, soda pop, apples and breakfast cereals; however, too much of this isn't good for the horse.
Colic is a real concern with all horses, mini or large sized, because eating foods that don't agree with their digestive systems can cause much pain and discomfort. Horses do not have the ability to vomit what does not agree with them. They must pass it on through. Colic can be life threatening, and the only thing you can do is walk them for hours until the colic passes.
Though your mini horse is cute and cuddly, it's still a horse and its natural foods are grains and grasses. If you have a lawn, you will never need a lawn mower, because your mini will be more than happy to feed on it until it is perfectly manicured. Not only does your mini need the right nutrition, but it also needs fresh water to drink and a brick of mineral salt. Since your mini horse is small, it will be necessary to watch its diet. An equine veterinarian should determine the nutritional requirements for each horse.
Before adopting or purchasing a mini horse, you must first have the horse's welfare at heart. Do you have the space for a miniature horse? You must have at least half an acre of pastureland for your horse to live and graze. A mini horse needs a companion other than human. If you are considering adopting a mini horse, you will need to consider adopting another for a companion, so your mini won't get lonely.
On occasion your pet horse will need a bath. There generally isn't a strong odour when your mini horse is groomed regularly and bathed occasionally. Safety is a major concern when bathing your horse; rubber shoes should warn over the hooves to prevent slipping when you shower or bathe your pet horse.
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