Mini Horses

fotog · 09-13-07, 04:05 PM

My husband has been talking about maybe getting a mini horse if we move our location. I am trying to find more information on this. Are these just horses that were stunted during growth, are they like mini poodles? I am wondering if its a good idea to get one with our little one right now, or how long to wait until she is big enough to be around (safely).

SaddleSore · 10-12-07, 07:10 PM

It depends in part what breed you have. They are not just stunted, or dwarf horses, but rather a breed of their own.

The American miniature is somewhat delicate and cannot be ridden by most. A small child, maybe 35 or so pounds would be ok. Other breeds, such as the Shetland can be ridden by adults. So it depends on what you are wanting from this animal.

Thaworth · 10-13-07, 12:55 PM

I have seen mini-horses before, and to be honest, they frighten me a little. It just scares me that someone could expect since it is a horse it can be ridden like a larger horse, and basically break it's back.

SingleAgain · 10-13-07, 08:22 PM

Thaworth; the Shetland Pony is not a typical miniature horse. It is a strong and hardy little horse, and is more than capable of being ridden. I will start a thread on them in the Breeds section.

lovethemall · 10-13-07, 08:57 PM

I think Shetlands and Minis are good to start younger riders off on, or those that are older and have never been around horses before. I think size is a big reason why some are afraid of them, I know I was when I was younger!

crazyqueen · 10-14-07, 12:27 AM

I see alot of ads online about wanting to purchase minis? Can anyone tell me what the main reason for this is, are they rare?

SingleAgain · 10-14-07, 05:29 PM

I am not sure of course but I don't think it's a rarity issue. I think it is more like the puppy as Christmas issue; people just think that they are awfully cute and assume that they are easier to care for and less work than full sized horses. They don't know much about horses which is why they advertise in that way, rather than going more reputable.

If they knew more they would know where to buy them and how much work they are, so wouldn't be advertising like that.

cherokeemyluv · 10-15-07, 10:26 AM

Lots of people probably think a mini will cost less to own than a horse or pony, and they are definitely cute. So since they don't know a thing about where to find a reputable breeder and the like they simply post and hope one falls in their lap. Or perhaps there aren't any breeds near them. Minis on a whole are not a rare breed, but there are definitely areas where they are scarce. I know I see alot of posts like that on Craigslist, often right near posts offering minis for sale. Some people want others to do all the work for them. Hopefully if thats the case they never get ahold of any.

09-13-07, 04:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
fotog Member Join Date: 09-01-07 Posts: 25	Mini Horses My husband has been talking about maybe getting a mini horse if we move our location. I am trying to find more information on this. Are these just horses that were stunted during growth, are they like mini poodles? I am wondering if its a good idea to get one with our little one right now, or how long to wait until she is big enough to be around (safely).

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-12-07, 07:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
SaddleSore Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 230	It depends in part what breed you have. They are not just stunted, or dwarf horses, but rather a breed of their own. The American miniature is somewhat delicate and cannot be ridden by most. A small child, maybe 35 or so pounds would be ok. Other breeds, such as the Shetland can be ridden by adults. So it depends on what you are wanting from this animal.

10-13-07, 12:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Thaworth Member Join Date: 09-08-07 Posts: 38	I have seen mini-horses before, and to be honest, they frighten me a little. It just scares me that someone could expect since it is a horse it can be ridden like a larger horse, and basically break it's back.

10-13-07, 08:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
SingleAgain Member Join Date: 10-11-07 Posts: 25	Thaworth; the Shetland Pony is not a typical miniature horse. It is a strong and hardy little horse, and is more than capable of being ridden. I will start a thread on them in the Breeds section.

10-13-07, 08:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
lovethemall Member Join Date: 10-02-07 Posts: 30	I think Shetlands and Minis are good to start younger riders off on, or those that are older and have never been around horses before. I think size is a big reason why some are afraid of them, I know I was when I was younger!

10-14-07, 12:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
crazyqueen Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 30	I see alot of ads online about wanting to purchase minis? Can anyone tell me what the main reason for this is, are they rare?

10-14-07, 05:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
SingleAgain Member Join Date: 10-11-07 Posts: 25	I am not sure of course but I don't think it's a rarity issue. I think it is more like the puppy as Christmas issue; people just think that they are awfully cute and assume that they are easier to care for and less work than full sized horses. They don't know much about horses which is why they advertise in that way, rather than going more reputable. If they knew more they would know where to buy them and how much work they are, so wouldn't be advertising like that.

10-15-07, 10:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
cherokeemyluv Member Join Date: 09-08-07 Posts: 51	Lots of people probably think a mini will cost less to own than a horse or pony, and they are definitely cute. So since they don't know a thing about where to find a reputable breeder and the like they simply post and hope one falls in their lap. Or perhaps there aren't any breeds near them. Minis on a whole are not a rare breed, but there are definitely areas where they are scarce. I know I see alot of posts like that on Craigslist, often right near posts offering minis for sale. Some people want others to do all the work for them. Hopefully if thats the case they never get ahold of any.