| Factors of Consideration |
Miniature Horse |
Full-Sized Horse |
| Purchase Cost |
$1,000 to $200,000
Determined by size, conformation, bloodline and show record, The smaller and more correctly conformed, the greater the value.
|
$500 to Millions
Determined by breed, conformation, genealogy, show record, etc.
|
| Feed Cost |
Approximately $25 per month/horse
(includes feed and hay)
|
$50 to $150 per month/horse
(depending upon use and purpose)
|
| Professional Stable Cost |
$50 to $150 per month/horse Miniature horses can be kept in backyards with a mini barn or shelter, depending upon local zoning laws.
|
$200 to $550 per month/horse
Depends upon facilities, pasture and riding opportunities.
|
| Training Costs Halter-in-Hand |
$300 and up per month/horse
Family involvement is encouraged- even small children can help train a miniature horse.
|
$??? to $??? per month/horse
Depends upon the reputation of the trainer, stable and breed.
|
| Pasture Size (with supplemental hay and feed) |
3 Miniature Horses per acre one can easily be kept in the average residential backyard, depending upon local zoning laws.
|
Minimum 3-5 acres per horse
|
| Tack-Halters Work/Show
|
$4 to $8 each $25 to $150 or more
|
$12 to $18 each
$75 to 500 each
|
| Harness
|
$200 to $400
|
$350 to $4,000
|
| Work Pleasure Driving
|
$750 to $1,400
|
$1,500 and up
|
| Blankets Sheets Saddles Carts
|
$25 to $65 $20 to $45
Not normally used on miniature horses
$375 to $1,500
|
$85 to $200
$40 to $65 $250 and up.
|
| Farrier Cost Trimming
|
$10 to $18 per horse
Some owners trim and rasp their own horses hooves due to the decreased hazards associated with a smaller animal.
|
$15 to $25 per horse
Some experienced and very knowledgeable owners do
their own trimming
|
| Shoeing
|
Usually not done on Miniature Horses Except for corrections or driving on hard surfaces.
|
$50 to $200
|
| Suitability to Ride
|
Children up to 70 pounds may ride depending upon age, height and body type of horse.
|
Children any size and adults can ride. Hazards are greatly
increased due to the animal's size, and the degree of training or experience of the rider.
|
| Suitability to Drive
|
Children 3-4 years and up routinely drive at home, parades and in shows. Adults-a miniature horse can easily pull up to1-2 adults in a cart in ail gaits, minimal experience is needed.
|
Children-questionable. Adults--Dependent upon experience.
|
| Health Resistance to Disease
Hardiness
|
Excellent---based on good care.
Treated with same medications as large horses--just much smaller doses.
|
Excellent---based on good care.
Dosages of medications double or triple the size given to a miniature.
|
| Life Span
|
20-30 years
|
20-30 years
|
| Veterinary Care Vaccinations
|
Same as for larger horses.
|
Same as for miniatures.
|
| Medications & Worming
|
Determined by weight of horse-greatly reduced dosage due to smaller size.
|
Determined by weight of horse- 4 to 5 times the cost of miniature due to larger size.
|
| Suitability for Handicapped
|
Greatly adaptable to handicapped individuals due to smaller size and affectionate nature.
|
Difficult for handicapped individuals to handle due to larger size.
|
