The Little Horse Everybody Can Own !
Below you will find a bit of info on general care and what’s involved in owning a miniature horse. And a wee bit about NZMHA and what this means if you want a show horse.This is especially for the people who are new to Miniatures, There is a lot to take in at first so I hope this info below will be of some help to the newcomers.
Buying Your First Miniature Horse
It can be a bit daunting (but also very excitting at the same time) when you first launch in to the miniature world and buy your first miniature horse , but you will generally find most studs are more than happy to help with information on care and answer any questions you may have.
Miniature horses are amazing animals, they have all the traits of their bigger counter parts but they are neatly packed away in to a mini sized package, I have found them to be extremely loving with affectionate and gentle natures which makes them easy for people of all ages and abilities to handle , care and work with
It can be very challenging yet fun and exciting to take that step and hit the show ring but it’s a wonderful feeling when all your hard work pays off and your beautiful well presented horse does well and brings home the ribbons!
If showing in hand is not quite your thing , your may find jumping , obstacle courses or showman ship are more to your liking , and once you horse is old enough breaking them to cart can be a huge amount of fun for both of you.
All my stock here at Cherrylane Miniatures is registered with NZMHA - New Zealand Miniature Horse Association. And if you are looking to show your new mini it will need to be registered. if you are just after a pet then papers are not so important.
When you buy your miniature horse you will be given NZMHA transfer papers to fill in and sign. The seller then fills in all details, takes the horses photos and sends all this away with the transfer fee to NZMHA, The horse will then be transferred in to your name and the papers sent out to you.
Showing Miniature Horses
If you plan on showing your horse then it must be measured, you will need to take your horses NZMHA papers with your when you get your horses measured for the first time, you will then be given a measuring and performance card which you must carry with you at all times when showing and take with you every time you get your horses measured,
There are several measuring days each year at different venues. And they are often run in conjunction with RAS measuring so you can get your horses done for both.
There are several local Miniature Horse clubs that you can join , you can meet like minded people and get the chance to go to fun rally’s and shows run by these clubs , they will also notifie you of measuring days and up coming events via email ,
Please feel free to ask me about joining forms for these clubs and also for NZMHA. Or have a look at my Links page for contact details.
When you buy a horse from Cherry Lane , I will provide a care sheet which will contain all information that you will need to know in regard to its care and when the horse is next due for ,, worming , hoof trimming , dentist work , what sort of feed they require , quantity’s frequencies and feed type
Care Of Your Miniature Horse
They need regular worming every 6-8 weeks
regular foot/hoof trimming every 6-8 weeks and from about 2 years of age need to have there teeth done every 6-12 months , specially if you plan to brake your mini to cart its very important to have there teeth checked and done first , even before you put a bit in there mouth .
Miniatures can be prone to lice so always pays to check them regularly and treat them and all paddock mates if you fine signs of them.
I can advise you on feed type etc in an information pack that will be given to you when you purchase your horse.
A mineral/salt lick block should be available at all times along with PLENTY of fresh water available at ALL times.
Miniature horses can be lunged or worked in a round ring for exercise and usually show horses will need a bit of exercise to move those last extra pounds and tone them to get them looking good for the show ring , some breeders run them behind 4W motor bikes at a trot , which also works well .
If you plan to show, you will then have to think about clipping, wether you invest in your own clippers or get someone out to clip your mini will be completely up to you, If you plan to enter turn out classes it needs to be a very tidy clip, The out lay for clippers and blades of different sizes can be quite expensive but if you plan to show a few horses over a few years it is well worth it
I’m always happy to answer any questions on clipping, blade sharpening and where you might buy these things from.
In winter its best to have shelters for your horses but if one is not available a good warm water proof rug will do , you will need to take it off every now and then to air it and let the horses have a good roll , also check its fitting well and not rubbing anywhere.
Gear/Tack For Miniature Horses
As minis get more widely available so has the amount of gear that is now sold , you find even regular saddler’s will stock a range of mini items and the saddlery warehouse now has a fantastic range of rugs , paddock halter /leads, carts , harness and many other items all at a very reasonable price.
Show bridles can be harder to get, but there are a few people in NZ who make them and a few who import them from the states, I often import show bridles so if you are looking for one feel free to check in with to see what stock I have in or I can order you one in if you are wanting a particular colour/size etc.
I also import a range of miniature horses books that cover care , breeding , foaling , and colour genetics , they are full of excellent information and if you are looking to get in to showing/breeding they can be worth having round so again feel free to ask about what I have in stock.
Although I have only touched on the basics of owning a miniature horse I do hope the above info has been of some help and don’t forget I’m always happy to answer any questions so feel free to email anytime.