Cross Breeds

Will miniature horses get sick if they are left out to pasture to long?

Someone told me if I leave a miniature horse out to pasture it will bloat. Will they?

Public Comments

1. I have heard a lot of people say minis get sick when out on pasture. I had a mini when i was 5 and when we first get her we were told to keep her in the barn most of the time and give her hay and grain. Anyway she foundered really bad and the farrier and vet both said no more grain just pasture and some hay. As long as the horse is used to green grass it should be fine just limit its intake the first few days. As the grass gets greener keep an eye on the horse to make sure its belly doesn't look bloated and its manure doesn't get green and runny. A good thing to do would be feed it hay first so it doesn't fill up on just lush grass. Have fun with your mini. They are so sweet when treated right.
2. I have one, and he hasn't gotten sick. He is out all the time. literally 24/7, with a small shelter to stay in. It probably won't unless he gets Hay belly...which just means he has to much hay. Give him one flake a day, (If you have rectangular bales) and he should be fine! He needs lots of water, and grain once a day, and he will be fine! :)
3. Give her extra hay...with the pasture...she should be ok...give her shade
4. I leave my mini horses tied out all day to eat grass, but I don't feed them any hay later, and nothing has happened. I've heard they will eat a whole bag of grain if left open, and that doesn't have a good ending.