How many hours should you let minis graze?

Question

my cousins got a mini and only feed her 1cup of grain and 2 hours aday of grass! she is pretty skinny but they say that is all she needs!!!! i think she needs way more grass. plus they don't really brush her and her coat is really dull! i think she is unhealthy or somthing because her coat is not shiny

Answer 1

1 cup of grain is plenty for her. If she is thin on 2 hours of grass, try gradually increasing her grass time. Do 3 hours a day for a week, then 4 hours for a week. If she looks like she is putting on weight, then stop adding time. If she gets too fat, cut her back. But I know lots of minis who live on the grass all day. Just monitor her closely and don't allow her to get too fat. Overfat ponies are prone to founder, especially when left on grass all the time.

Also, make sure she has been dewormed recently. That could account for her weight and her dull coat. Also, make sure she's being groomed a few times a week. That will help her coat. If she doesn't brighten up once she's gained some weight, consider adding some flax seed to her diet.

Answer 2

3-4

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

WHAT!?!?!? They are giving her grain???? NOOO!!! do NOT give her grain!!!! give her all day to graze, and no grain!!! That could kill her!!! minis dont need grain, they could DIE from it!!!  if you cousins are persistant on giveing grain giver her like a 1/8 a cup with weight supplement!!! your cousins need to research more about diets of minis!!! did you know horses can get fungus when they aren't brushed? Do they pick her hooves? Tell them that they need the vet out there to recomend a proper diet for their mini!!!! Thats horrible!!!  

Answer 5

6 hours a day-

Answer 6

i have a mini, i giver her grain every other day, and he grazes about 2-4 hours a day....hes healthy....

Answer 7

Aw, the poor thing! If the mini is in as poor shape as you're describing, you should really think about saying something (Sternly) to her owner - if she doesn't take you seriously, threaten to call your local Animal Control center; her animal isn't being taken care of properly.

Horses that have open access to grass pasture spend anywhere from 12-14 hours per day grazing. Most horses constantly eat - regardless of their breed. Even if a horse is on a dry lot, they should have unlimited access to grass hay or a timothy grass/alfalfa mix.

A horse that is not allowed to graze and/or eat to its heart's content is going to take on a benumbed appearance - just as you've described. Her coat is dull, and she is losing weight. You should suggest to her more grazing time and giving her all the hay she can eat. Miniatures, however, do not need as much grain as a horse. Her grain ration is probably ok; make sure your cousin watches for founder -  miniatures and ponies are predisposed to this.

Good luck!!!

An addition: Samantha L is being overly dramatic: miniatures won't die if they eat grain, and one cup is DEFINITELY not going to hurt her. Keep with her grain, but see what you can do about her grazing issue.

Answer 8

2 hours aday.