Ann Matzke - Mini Horse

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Mini Horse/Ann Matzke (You Have a Pet What?!) ISBN 978-1-63430-434-4 (hard cover) ISBN 978-1-63430-534-1 (soft cover) ISBN 978-1-63430-623-2 (e-Book) Library of Congress Control Number: 2015931857 Printed in the United States of America, North Mankato, Minnesota

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Horses come in many colors and sizes. Miniature horses, called minis, are the smallest. They are less than half the size of a regular horse. Horses are measured from the ground to their .

Minis stand 24 to 34 inches (62 to 86 centimeters) high and weigh 150 to 250 pounds (68 to 113 kilograms). FUN FACT Horses are measured in hands. One hand equals four inches or 10 centimeters. Because of their smaller height, minis are measured in inches or centimeters. The miniature horse size happened over a long period of time. . FUN FACT Minis are not meant for riding. FUN FACT Minis are not meant for riding.

Only small children less than 60 pounds (27 kilograms) can ride miniature horses. Some miniature horse shows have special competitions for children.

Knowing the correct words for the different parts of a horse is an important part of owning and caring for a mini. , or physical appearance. A mini should be well balanced, healthy, and free of physical problems that keep it from moving easily. PET POINTERS Before buying a mini have a veterinarian examine the horse to evaluate its health. Horse Sense Horses ears swivel front to back so they can catch sounds in every direction, plus hear things in the distance.

They recognize you by how you smell. Hold out your hand first for a mini to sniff. Their sense of smell is exceptional; they can smell water and people in the distance. Mini horses are known for showing gentle affection toward humans. for horses, one directly in front and the other right behind them. Knowing how a horse sees can help you understand its behavior.

Make sure you can keep a miniature horse where you live. Make sure you can keep a miniature horse where you live.

Zoning laws may have specific regulations or guidelines about stabling, or housing, minis. Minis, like full-size horses, require special care. It is important to record information either in a notebook or a card file, on a computer or on a smartphone app. Track information on: visits to the vet, medications, worming schedules, immunizations, feed and hay management, maintenance, training schedules, and show records. A move to a new home can be stressful. Horses are sensitive to changes in their surroundings, other animals, humans, and daily routines.

Talk to your mini often and give it a good scratch on the withers or a gentle rub on the side. This shows you care. Take time to lead your mini around its new home. You want your pet to feel cared for and safe. Some people keep minis so children can learn to ride at an early age. A box stall stable offers a mini horse protection from the Sun, weather, and insects. A mini horse kept in a stall should be given plenty of time to exercise and roam freely. to graze. Mini horses can be a variety of colors. Mini horses can be a variety of colors.

Some are spotted. Some have patches. Some have tails and manes that are different colors. Grooming is an everyday routine. Currie, or rub, the mini horses coat to loosen dirt and tangles. Use a brush to make the mini horses coat lie flat, and a comb to smooth out its mane and tail. Mini horses dont need horseshoes like full-size horses, but their hooves do require proper trimming and cleaning.

Use a hoof pick to clean out hooves regularly. This prevents diseases such as . Removing horse manure from a minis stall can help prevent hoof problems. PET POINTERS Grooming tools youll need: small size currycomb, body brush, hoof pick, finishing brush.