Appearance:
American miniature horses are bred to be smaller versions of the domestic horse. They have the same coat colors and patterns as larger domestic horses.
Size:
- 34 - 38 inches high
- 225 pounds is the average weight, but it can vary from 150 - 250 pounds
Diet:
All horses are grazers that feed on grasses. Domestic horses can also be fed grains such as oats, barley, corn, wheat and alfalfa.
Reproduction:
Domestic horses can reach sexual maturity and be able to breed by 18 months of age, but they're usually not bred until at least age 3.
Gestation:
Gestation averages 330 days, and results in one foal (twins are rare). Foals are usually born in the spring. Foals are weaned from their mothers around 5 months of age.
Behavior:
Wild horses typically live together in groups of three to 20. Mature males, called stallions, lead a group of females, called mares, as well as young foals. When male foals get older, the dominant stallion will drive them from the group, and the young male will have to start his own group. Since American miniature horses are domesticated, they usually live on farms with humans to care for them.
Despite their height, these horses can pull three to four times their weight.
Habitat/Range:
Domestic horses have been bred to be able to live almost anywhere that humans can live. Their typical preferred habitat is temperate grasslands.
Median Life Expectancy:
Domestic horses can live over 30 years.
