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I agree with the others above that a vet check would be a good idea, and having blood drawn would be good, too. I'd test for any metabolic issues and also for Cushings disease. When the vet visits I'd ask about ulcers as well. Some metabolic issues and ulcers will result in poor appetite...

I don't have any experience with fescue as I don't have any on my place. Your donkey pals are susceptible to insulin resistance and metabolic issues as well. You definitely want to watch their weight along with your mini mare. Too much grass can be fatal for all our small friends.

What a cute mini and welcome to the world of mini horses. Nutrition will be important if she is in foal but regardless as you indicated, she will need a serious diet talk and as Ryan stated she's seriously overweight. ;) Since you are new to minis you probably don't know that obesity can...

That's so wonderful that you are doing that.

I know what you mean about buy back contracts, or contracts of any kind. I misjudged a person and the "forever home" that was promised turned into a one way trip to an auction. Lies, lies and more lies. I'll never forgive myself for giving that person a living animal. I even did a home...

Hi Shannon! I treat my minis the same way I treat full-sized horses with a few special considerations... I've found the minis need to be watched carefully for metabolic issues and I also have my veterinarian team test for Cushings and insulin resistance every year, even if I don't see any...

Goats can be fine with horses, or it can be a disaster. ;) It's best to have a plan to completely separate them if personalities don't get along. I had my goats out with my minis for years until my one mini decided that biting and chasing the goats was in order. One of the goats also decided...

It's best to deworm with products created for horses. If you've not dewormed your pony before I'd recommend getting a fecal done so that you can see what worms are present. There are paste wormers available for the type of deworming you need. What does your veterinarian recommend? If you...

I remember back in the early 70s when bald eagles were doing so badly because of the pesticide DDT. They have made a comeback in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. It's so nice to see. We also get golden eagles here.

I do worry about things going after my minis, but as others have said, loose dogs are more of a problem down here. If there is enough natural prey and not an over population of coyotes then there can be issues. One of my friends lost a mini donkey to a pack of coyotes. She lives in a more...

When I needed to transport my mini mule to a veterinary hospital I called UHaul. They do not allow farm animals in their vehicles. They told me that people do try it and then they hit the people with a HUGE fine when they turn in the vehicle. I ended up hiring a regular horse transporter...

I brought a mini home in a Honda CRV once. I will never do any such thing again. The potential for disaster is incredibly high. The little horse was a perfect angel, but there would have been no way to control him if he'd decided to either kick out the windows or leap into the front of the car.

I had a dear mini with neurological issues that had problems chewing and swallowing. He needed his mouth cleared several times a day. I'd be able to reach into the side of his mouth and pull the goop out and I also used a large syringe to rinse his mouth. He could also get quidded bits out...

I had a Thoroughbred 30 years ago that was a weather colicker. It was really difficult for him.

ClaraN, you'd want a solid structure of some sort that would be safe for minis. A lot of the small storage buildings aren't very strong. Even a mini horse could kick a thin shelter and injure themselves. A mini could work in a big back yard, but keep in mind that horses do best with another...

I know you are trying to avoid a vet visit, but it might be a good thing to schedule. There may be an issue that requires something more than a topical remedy. There may be a foreign body in the eye that is causing the discharge.

I'm sorry you are going through this. Have you and your veterinarian team discussed water intake and possibly moistening his food? You probably have gone over all of that. I have a mare that colics with weather changes and she has ulcer-related issues and my little girl isn't a big water drinker.

Thanks Polkadots. All my halters are buckle-only. I never use the kind with snaps. :)

What cute little guys! :)

That's great, Jlow!