Mini Horses & Other Livestock---New ?'s 1st post

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Hold the phone. Is that a saddle on an emu?! DUDE!!! Can you ride an emu?!

Looks like a bareback pad....how cool would that be?! I want an emu now. Ok guys...this forum is a really bad place for me...it gives me way to many ideas.
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These pics are a couple of years old, but here are my little gals:

This is Blondie. She can be a real ditz at times, but they don't come sweeter!
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Here's Syd, the Man-eating Mini (looks so sweet when she's asleep, doesn't she?). She had some serious attitude when she came here, and even had the nerve to challenge me a couple of times. Some minis are absolute dolls, but mini newbies be warned, they are still horses, and need to be treated as such.
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Last but certainly not least, my mini mule, Betsy. She rules the goats with an iron hoof, she does a much better job than I at keeping those pointy-headed problem children in line! (for some reason, the flash made this pic look as if it was photoshopped)
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Donkeys and mules often have an inborn dislike for dogs. I know I would never trust Betsy around one. While she may be able to enforce the Rule of Mule over the goats, I know both of my minis keep a respectful distance from my wether, for good reason! Blondie went through a period of several days where she was locking up badly on both hind legs, and was unusually leery of the goats at the same time. I didn't see it happen, but I suspect Spike (the wether) may have butted her.
 
Some info on mini's-

They need their hooves trimmed often- they grow out fast (in my experience)
They need dental care, just like regular horses. Alot of people think minis dont need their teeth floated, but they do.
They are strong, not as strong as a horse, but dont let that cuteness fool ya.
They get very shaggy, all those pics you see of short haired, shiney coated minis are mini's who have been shaved. So have really good electric trimmers on hand if you want a short coat.
They need all the regular stuff big horses do- shots, wormers, feed- just smaller amounts
They are very prone to leg deformites, so be on the look out and know what your looking at when you go to see a possible purchase.
One positive is they poop 'mini' too!
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I would say they need at least a 5 foot fence, but I would go 6 to be safe. Give one mini at least 1/2 and acre if youre going to put it in pasture. They can kick and break a weak fence, so you want to make sure the fencing is reliable. They will need some kind os structure to go under or in, during bad weather. Breeding minis can be hard. They have alot of genetic irregularities and are known to have fewer live foals than standard size horses. I dont mean that to sound like they cant or dont have live foals, just that they are known to have issues, and you want to be aware of that in case you consider buying a mare in foal.

Minis usually get along well with all barnyard animals. Mine has learned to just ignore our yappy dogs. She also ignores the cats, kids and chickens. Minis are a GREAT choice for anyone who wants horse experience, but isnt ready for a huge strong animal. They can give small kids rides, or pull a cart with a person or 2 in it.
They make really good companions for an older horse or donkey as well.

I LOVE having minis- they are sooo sweet and loving. Not intimidating at all (well, the ones I've had havent been). I cant reccomend them highly enough! All my kids love our mini and people will slow down when driving by to take a look at her in the pasture with our big mare. We bring her up on the deck for grooming and petting- she fits everywhere!

If you get one, I dont think you'll regret it! Please post pics if you get one!! Be warned though- They are like potato chips, one is just never enough! You'll soon find yourself wanting 'just one more', over and over!
 
My guy's job is to babysit the racehorses when they come home for R&R.


You dont need a 5 foot fence, a regular 4 foot fence is just fine. And you dont have to shave them. Ive never shaved mine in the 12 years Ive had him; he sheds and slicks out in the summer just like the regular horses do. I keep looking online to get another one to adopt, but they get snapped up quick.


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for fencing we use the 5 foot cattle panels... they are awesome and about 20 bucks each..

more pics of our crew!


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Mikey, multiple grand champion in halter and many firsts and seconds in driving! he was our first, and we adore him!

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AVA a filly from this year

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GiGi our miracle filly from this year

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dash and his momma twitch

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and bonkers
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some lines of minis do not shed well, some shed like big horses all slick and what not.

we do shave ours quite regular as we show a lot, and the judges prefer them clipped
 

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