Why Own A Miniature Horse?
The reasons to own a miniature horse are endless. But for starters miniature horses eat far less than a large horse. Therefore cost much less to care for. Although they require the same vaccinations as other horses. They also make much less mess. And require a lot less room.
Most minis can be cart trained and some can even be raced. They are very affectionate if you treat them well. They are smart and as full of surprises and silly antics as any dog. One of mine likes to slosh his face in his water and splash it all around as if he is rinsing his mouth. And one of my fillies decided to go stand in the water with her front legs and stomp the water and splash it around like she saw him doing. Everyone had to stop and watch and laugh.
Miniatures will follow you around like a dog in the pasture and sometimes downright insist that you pet them and scratch where they can not reach! They take spells of running for the sheer joy of living. There is nothing like watching a gorgeous horse in miniature running with it's main and tail blowing in the wind and throwing it's head around like a mustang wild and free.
Minis can live upwards of 30 years. I have one that is 25. They make me smile even when nothing else seems to be able to. They are great for days when you feel down and just do not want to do anything . They seem to draw you outside just so you can be with them. Most minis are very gentle and do not bite or kick unless mishandled. Although I have one that nips me for a good scratch if I do not pay attention to her. All minis have their own personality and can be appreciated as individuals. They are social herd animals and seem happiest if they have a companion. I suggest buying two or at the very least raising a young one with a mini donkey or a goat or some such animal for the horse's mental well being. Imagine being stuck alone with no other human contact. Minis are very intelligent and therefore thrive with good mental stimulation and plenty of love.
Being pulled by one in a cart is great fun since you can't ride ON one. They can be driven in your local parade and taken to nursing homes etc. You can buy boots for them so that they do not slip on the tile floors. TSC here where we live has them and possibly other places including online. They look very nice when you get them clipped in the summer and you can even braid their tails and their mane .
Miniature horses can also be shown. The AMHA and the AMHR have shows regularly for many different events. Halter and Color and Driving and even Costume ! In some of the shows you can even win money. If you want to show miniatures you will , of course , need a show quality mini. They offer amateur shows as well , for those who do not have a professional trainer. If you wish to become a breeder you will want to buy the best stock you can afford. A miniature horse ranch can be a lucrative business and is a good investment.
I could go on and on , but until you own one you just can not understand how wonderful it is to have one in your life. And most people CAN afford one if they go for less than show quality in appearance and if need be , a payment plan. Appearance does not affect pet quality in any way. A 1,000 dollar horse is as good of a pet as a 50,000 dollar horse. ( Don't let me scare you, most show quality horses are nowhere near 50,000 dollars. Many are offered for $3,500 - $10,000. ) Just be sure to look for a healthy horse , be it show or pet quality , and INSIST on a RECENT negative coggins from a reputable horse vet. And always be sure you understand how they were fed and how to feed them in the future. But for the most part , they are low maintenance animals beyond regular vaccinations , a fenced area , regular hoof trimming , food, water , shelter and love. Just be sure your neighborhood is not deed restricted against horses. And just to let you know , they are now training miniature horses for the blind as "seeing eye" horses for those who are allergic to dogs or prefer a horse for whatever reason.
Myths About Miniatures and Shetlands