People who find that they can no longer handle the 1,000 pound-plus horse do not have to give up their passion for horses, they may simply switch over to the smaller animal. These little horses have already proved their worth in therapeutic programs for the disabled child or adult, as well as with the elderly. People in high-pressure jobs find them to be a wonderful aid in relieving stress. It is very common to find a group of Miniature Horse owners together, either at a show or club meeting, and they will be a fascinating group, for they come from a multitude of backgrounds - white collar, blue collar, professionals from all fields, students, retirees, etc. Care of the Miniature Horse is the same as that of the larger breeds, however, on a much smaller scale with regard to feed, deworming doses, medication and such.
Grain is measured by the cup and roughage by a particle flake of hay.
The Miniature Horse loves to be outside and several will find an acre or less plenty of room to exercise and graze, while indoor facilities are adequate with a stall size of 6 feet by 8 feet. The preceding statement can be applied to any size horse and all people, whether young or old. A small child may be afraid of a standard size horse, yet the same child will show an eagerness to embrace and hug a miniature foal. Older people, no longer as mobile as they might like to be, who cannot continue to mount a full sized horse, can still enjoy driving a Miniature Horse and showing it in Pleasure Driving, Roadster or Obstacle Classes. The handicapped person can also be very competitive in the show ring or perhaps they just want the feeling of mobility one gets while driving a mini around the neighborhood.