Miniature horses and ponies are popular as family companion animals for children and adults alike. They are also popular with people who love horses but are unable to ride, but find it rewarding to be able to care for a mini.
Miniature breeds were introduced to Australia around 35 years ago and since then they have become a significant breed, with a number of dedicated studs and stock based on quality imported stallions and mares.
Miniature horses are lovable and easy to care for. What they lack in size, they make up in being a true household companion.
Many miniature horse owners show their minis, with lead-in, driving and mini jumping competition becoming more popular as numbers increase. They are particularly suited to urban small properties where a number of minis can be kept on 2-3 hectares.
Like ponies, most minis are “good doers” and if not carefully managed and are overfed relative to their needs, can become over-weight and prone to laminitis and founder as they age. They have some conformational related problems, such as locking patellae (locking stifles) and hock problems because of their size. They are also more generally prone to colic and digestive upsets.
In this section, we provide basic feeding guidelines, a review of common problems related to minis and a link to our popular “Talking Minis” newsletter which is published at 6 month intervals. For those who breed miniatures, specific information related to breeding is provided in the breeding section of this website and guidelines to show preparation are in the equestrian section.
Recommended Products
Cell Provide - Provides bone minerals, trace minerals and vitamins for lightly worked horses.
Cell Vital - 'Allrounder' everyday concentrated trace mineral & vitamin supplement.
Mag-E - For working and travelling horses to provide magnesium, essential Vitamin E and Vitamin B1, to help nerve and muscle function.
Trim - Provides a range of important nutrients to correct low or inadequate levels in the rations of horses on weight reducing, low calorie diets.
Hoof Seal - Coats the hooves with a thin wear resistant film that allows the hoof to 'breath' whilst minimising moisture variations.
Kleen Sheen - Shampoo with built-in conditioner and colour highlighter.
Can't find a supplement that's right for your mini? Please check our complete product list.
Talking Miniatures Newsletter
Please see our newsletter page for other editions of the Talking Horses newsletter.
Minis 4 (2012)
*Summer Heat
*Summer Founder
Minis 3 (2012)
*Colic
*Travelling Your Mini
Minis 2 (2010)
*Patella locking
*Dangerous grasses
*Hoof care
*Poisonous plants
Minis 1 (2009)
*Colic
*Founder
*Knock knees in foals
*Locking patella
Fact Sheets and Articles
'Hyperlinked' articles are available for download from this website. All other articles are available free of charge by contacting Kohnke's Own. Further information on topics of interest might be found in one of the 'Talking Horses' newsletters.
Feeding After Laminitis
Management of Cushing's Disease/Syndrome
Understanding Colic
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)