How Much Grass Is Enough?

[SaddleSore]

I was reading recently about keeping a miniature in your yard (if permitted by local ordnance) and if room permitted. One of the things they kept saying was that 'if there is enough grass' you don't need to supplement.

But how do you know when enough is enough?

[Thaworth]

I guess if you have a small yard, that's obviously not enough. If it's a medium-large sized yard, you can see how it is first, and then provide supplement if needed.

[Bucker]

You should provide some supplement, just in case. And if you see that your horse isn't eating much of it, go ahead and give it the last of it, and then see how it does with just grass.

[tikitowel]

Nutrition: It's important to understand the nutritional needs of Miniature Horses. Miniatures are prone to overeating and can develop problems from excessive food intake. Nutrition for Miniature Horse is similar to that for large horses but the differences in body size must always be considered. Miniature Horses will normally require a daily ration of grain and hay. Two feedings daily are the minimum when feeding Miniature Horses because of the size of their intestinal tract and the need for continual movement of food in their system. Plenty of clean water should always be available. Pasture access must be limited when the grass is long and lush or founder (a painful and crippling condition) may result. As with all horses, feeding should be tailored to the individual animal. Check with your veterinarian on an appropriate feeding program for your particular horse.(theminaturehorse.com)

Sounds like you should check with your vet or the previous owner to get an idea of how much grass your mini should be eating. Here's a link to a nice article on how much pasture your horse would need.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art31301.asp

[SaddleSore]

Thank you for the link. Yes I would imagine that the vet would be the most appropriate person to advice you on whether or not what you have is suitable. I don't keep a horse at home, nor would I, but it concerned me that some poor little ones might be going hungry, or risking colic from sand impaction.

[QuarterHorses]

From the sound of your post, I would guess you would over feed, not under feed. You can tell if a horse is loosing weight from the look and number of ribs showing. You can begin to gauge how much feed to use. I have a horse that looks at hay and gains weight. My other horse can't seem to get enough hay. I have to give her a supplement to keep weight on.

[Mustang]

I guess everyone knows if an animal, specifically a horse, is underfed just by the looks of it. But how do we know that our horses are overfed? What are the signs if they are overfed?

[lovethemall]

I am thinking I might want to bring this conversation up to my friend, her mini is always eating, and they are on many acres, so it might be a bit hard to try and get that horse on a semi regular intake diet. Any advice from someones thats gone through this before?

[charley]

Our neighbors raise minis. I would guess that they have 3-4 per acre. I am unsure if the supplement or if that is enough food. I know that it is enough area, I am not sure about the dietary need though. I will try to remember to ask next time I see her.