Miniature Horse Mare Abortions

Like dwarf dog breeds, the miniature horse industry experiences many of the same problems with reproduction including genetic anomalies and a higher frequency of abortions. 

There are many issued involved with miniature horse pregnancy that are unique to their small size.  However, anecdotal evidence suggests that aborts and dystocia are much less common in overseas breeding programs that did not deliberately breed dwarf miniature horses.

Dr. Frosty Franklin, in an article titled Abortion in the Mare,  notes that the abortion rates for miniature horse are nearly double the rates for large horses:

"Abortion is one of the most common problems affecting mares and losses have been placed as high as 15%. In miniature horses, studies suggest this number might be as high as 27% when combining both early and late term losses."

The wide variations in fetus size with miniature horses may also influence the rate of abortions.  To help ensure enough room in the miniature mares womb, some experienced breeders always suggest breeding a large miniature horse mare to a small stallion.

Click here to read about size issues with miniature horse breeding and foaling.

USA Miniature Horse is a non-profit web site dedicated to collecting useful information about miniature horses in the United States.