How much does a miniature horse cost? The average cost of a miniature horse can range from $800 to $5,000. The factor that will affect their price is their level of experience.
Miniature horses that have experience in show competitions are more expensive. Meanwhile, horses used only for companionship tend to be cheaper.
The price for some top-of-the-line miniature horses can go up to as much as $200,000.
So while miniature horses may appear small, it doesn’t imply that they come with a small price tag. That’s why it’s important to do your research. That way, you can be sure to set aside the necessary budget to accommodate a miniature horse.
This article will answer frequently asked questions about miniature horses. That way you will better understand how much they cost and why.
What Is A Miniature Horse?
A miniature horse is just like it sounds—it’s a breed or type of horse that’s smaller than average. Miniature horses are usually bred for their miniature size.
They stand between 24 and 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 200 to 400 pounds. Their small size is why miniature horses are known as companion animals.
You can also train miniature horses to do tricks and even compete in some horse sports. Miniature horses can join events such as:
- Driving
- Halter
- Liberty
- Obstacle or trail classes
- Showmanship
- Costume
Miniature horses also serve as guides for the blind. You can also use them for therapeutic riding, and law enforcement.
Miniature Horse History
Miniature horses hail back to the 17th century when they were first bred in Europe. Miniature horses feature a cross between Shetland ponies and other small horses.
Miniature horses became popular among the nobles for their miniature size. They were even given as gifts to royalty.
The miniature horse first came to the United States during the late 1800s. They will later work in mines as transportation. In the 1930s, miniature horses started to be bred as companion animals on American farms.
Today, miniature horses are mostly kept as companion animals or pets. But some are still used for minor farm work and therapeutic riding.
In the US, two registries were set up for miniature horses. These are the:
- American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA)
- American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR)
AMHA was established in 1978. It is currently the larger of the two registries, with over 30,000 mini horses registered. Meanwhile, AMHR has around 13,000 miniature horses registered.
How Much Is A Mini Horse?
The average cost of a miniature horse can range from $800 to $5,000. The cost tends to go up even more for miniature horses that have been shown.
Some of the best quality show miniature horses can even cost upwards of $200,000. This is for their excellent lineage and performance record.
Monthly Cost Of Owning A Miniature Horse
You should also consider the monthly cost of owning a miniature horse. This includes the cost of food, hay, medical care, and other supplies.
You can keep your miniature horse in your backyard. Investing in a barn or dry lot with a run-in shed is ideal, as miniature horses need regular exercise.
The average monthly cost of owning a miniature horse and keeping it on your property is around $500 to $1000. This price range covers all the necessary maintenance.
At the same time, it also covers the cost of barn maintenance and additional supplies.
Depending on your miniature horse’s specific needs, this can still go up or down. If you plan to show your miniature horse, the monthly cost will be significantly higher. You need to factor in the cost of entry fees, travel, and grooming supplies.
Factors Affecting The Miniature Horse Cost
The miniature horse cost depends on various factors. The following are significant factors that affect how much you’ll need to spend:
Pedigree
Pedigree, along with breed quality, are major factors that will impact the overall cost. A miniature horse with an excellent lineage is more expensive.
A breed with a good pedigree is necessary if you plan to buy a miniature horse for competing in shows. But if your purpose is for companionship, you can get away with one without an extensive lineage.
Age
Another crucial factor in determining the miniature horse price is age. Most people believe younger horses tend to be more expensive. But it’s the exact opposite for miniature horses.
Since younger horses need lots of training, they are usually at a cheaper price. Miniature horses aged 7 to 14 years old are rich in experience; thus, they perform the best.
Older mini horses are much more expensive due to their years of training and experience. When buying an older miniature horse, be careful when inspecting its condition. It’s crucial to know how the previous owner took care of the horse before you finalize the purchase.
Appearance
Some miniature horses have rare coat patterns or colors. These factors can also affect the miniature horse’s cost.
For example, miniature horses with leopard spots are expensive. This price tag is mostly due to their unique appearance.
Training Level
A miniature horse’s training experience plays a significant role in determining its price. Mini horses with training are often better behaved and easier to control.
Miniature horses that have undergone training are also least likely to get injured. If you plan to use your miniature horse for riding, competing, or pulling carts. choosing a mini horse that’s already experienced in these activities is ideal.
However, miniature horses with no training whatsoever are usually much cheaper. So if you don’t mind training your miniature horse, buying an untrained mini horse can help you save a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any more questions in mind? Here are some more commonly asked questions about miniature horses. This will help you make your final decision about purchasing one:
How Long Does A Mini Horse Live?
Miniature horses have a lifespan of around 25 to 35 years. It’s significantly longer than average-sized horses. Some mini horses have been known to live up to 40 years old with proper care and nutrition.
How Much Does A Miniature Horse Weigh?
Unlike standard-sized horses, miniature horses are quite lighter. The majority of miniature horses tend to weigh between 200 to 250 pounds. Some even weigh less.
Miniature horses also tend to lose or gain weight than average-sized horses. Keep a close eye on their diet and exercise routine to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
How Much Weight Can A Mini Horse Carry?
Considering the miniature horse’s weight and size, a miniature horse can carry up to 40 pounds. That number implies that miniature horses are not meant for riding.
Instead, most miniature horses are only used for show competitions and light work. If you plan on using your miniature horse for work, don’t overload them with too much weight.
How Much Space Does A Miniature Horse Need?
Unlike standard-sized horses that require a lot of space, miniature horses can get by with much less. Ideally, each miniature horse should have at ¼ of an acre.
If you don’t have that much space available, miniature horses can also be kept in pairs or small groups. As long as they have enough room to move around and exercise, miniature horses will be just fine.
Keep in mind that miniature horses love to run. So if you have a larger property, it’s a good idea to build a miniature horse paddock or field for them to run and play in.
Miniature horses don’t mind that they are small. In fact, they quite enjoy being miniature horses! With their friendly personalities, miniature horses are becoming popular among horse enthusiasts.
What Are Miniature Horses Called?
Some people might not know this, but miniature horses have many names. Miniature horses are also referred to as miniature ponies, miniature ponies.
You might be asking, “Are Miniature Horses the Same as Ponies?” No, miniature horses and ponies are not the same. Though they might be similar, miniature horses and ponies are different horse breeds.
Ponies are a horse breed that measures 14.2 hands or less at the withers. Miniature horses are a horse that measures less than 38 inches at the withers.
A Miniature is a small version of a horse. They have longer legs and slimmer bodies than ponies. Ponies are bulkier looking than miniature because of their dense bones, round bodies, and thicker fur coat.
Conclusion
Miniature horses can be as expensive as regular-sized horses—if not more. The cost of a miniature horse will depend on many factors, such as age, training, and show record.
Are you thinking about purchasing a miniature horse? If so, prepare yourself to spend a lot of money. You’ll not only need to buy the horse itself but also pay for food, shelter, and veterinary care.
Miniature horses need the same care as any other horse, despite their small size. But, when it comes to miniature horses, size doesn’t always matter. Despite their small size, miniature horses are still full of personality. They’re sure to put a smile on your face.