Need advice on miniature horses

[MouseyMari]

Well, I've had my horsie Alvin for 2.5 years, and I'm beyond his level now (as in riding level) and I'm looking to start a new project. (He was a total brat when I got him...Now he's a big softy and fairly good to ride) I considered buying another riding horse but I just don't think it's the best option right now.

So I've been thinking about buying a miniature horse that I can train and possibly show. I know that they are less expensive than a full grown horse. Could anyone tell me about them and what they're like as pets? Expenses? General information. Thanks! :sun:

[MTAussie]

"So I've been thinking about buying a miniature horse that I can train and possibly show. I know that they are less expensive than a full grown horse. Could anyone tell me about them and what they're like as pets? Expenses? General information. Thanks"

I bought a pregnant shetland pony when I was about 16. I thought she was totally awesome. She was super smart, and she didn't have any bad traits that you might hear about from other peoples childhood shetlands! haha. She was so smart she beat out full sized horses at barrel racing and pole bending at an open horse/pony show! You'd never believe it unless you saw the pictures!! lol. Her baby was a bit loopy and was kind of annoying though, but still super cute. But they are still a lot of fun.
Compared to my horses they were very easy keepers. You don't need as much room, feed, it was SO much easier to handle them. And a two horse trailer is plenty big!
If you want to show a registered miniature the pony will cost a considerable amount more. Buying an unregistered pony is surprising cheap, compared to horses in my opinion.
There are a lot you can do showing, registered or unregistered.
The only thing I would say is a negative, is not being able to ride. But if you will still have a horse than I would say you are good to go. Blizzard was not registered, but she still competed in open shows.
If you want any more info or have questions I would love to help!

[MouseyMari]

Thank you so much! I just talked to my mom, she said she'd consider it in the future but she'd rather get me another riding horse. So it's still a mild possibility!

BTW - The shetland I used to ride when I was younger, dang she was fast! Her canter was like a gallop, hehe.

[MTAussie]

Well getting a new horse couldn't be that bad either! Good luck!

[RabbitMage]

Minis are awesome, that's my imput!

As pets? They're just like a horse in a smaller package. Many people make the mistake of treating them like dogs because of their size, but they ARE horses. They move like horses, think like horses, and react like horses. My dad tried to 'wrestle' with ours the other day, and got a nice hard kick to the leg. Mini hooves are still VERY hard, as are their teeth!

The expenses are less. They eat about a fourth the amount of feed a big horse does. My fella gets grass hay, and in the summer a small amount of oat/alfalfa hay pellets. If I were showing him, it would be more pellets/less hay because they tend to get a bit of a hay belly without closely monitoring their feed.

However, keep in mind vets charge the same to treat them and farriers charge the same to trim them. Some will even refuse to work on them. I've never heard of a Mini wearing shoes, so I don't think they need them except in rare cases.

This is our guy, Tailer. He eats and does occasional therapy work. I'd love to start showing him in halter, and he's almost ready for cart training!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/RabbitMage/aminals/Picture015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/RabbitMage/aminals/Picture013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/RabbitMage/aminals/Picture010.jpg

[MouseyMari]

LOL at those pictures!! He's adorable!

thanks for the info, some of the books I've read have referred to them as dogs, lol.

[MTAussie]

Super cute pictures! Thats awesome that you took her to the store!!