Miniature horses are some of the most adorable members of the equine world. Their pint-sized appearance and lovable attitudes make them wonderful animals to own; but just how much does a mini horse cost?
Miniature horses on average cost between $800 to $5,000. A horse that has been shown will cost more than one that has just been used as a companion horse. Some top show miniature horses can even go for as much as $200,000.
Though their appearance may be small, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are cheap to own. Miniature horses require a lot of care and the price you pay to buy one can range widely. It is important to understand the costs of a mini horse before you decide to buy one.
How Much Does a Mini Horse Cost to Own?
There are several factors you have to take into account to determine the cost to own a miniature horse. These costs include food, vet bills, farrier bills, dental bills and living expenses.
Also, you need to consider the price of a miniature horse when you buy one. You also need to consider if you are going to use your miniature horse for showing or just keeping it as a companion. Once you take all these factors in, you can get a good estimate of the cost to own a mini horse.
Price to Purchase a Miniature Horse
The cost to purchase a miniature horse can range widely. Several factors can influence the price, including breeding, conformation, color, training, and show record if applicable.
Though dwarf minis can be adorable, they often come with a plethora of health problems. Many breeders will not breed for dwarves, as they often have a shortened life expectancy and painful health conditions. Dwarves are often taken in by rescues and adopted to only experienced horse owners, as they need lots of costly care due to their health issues.
Cost of Feed
Miniature horses are prone to becoming overweight. They need to be kept on regulated diets for them to maintain a healthy weight.
It typically costs about $25 a month to feed a miniature horse. This price includes the cost of hay and grain. A miniature horse should not have constant access to grass, as it will cause them to gain weight quickly and can even cause them to founder.
Miniature horses, just like full-sized horses, need to be dewormed every 6-8 weeks to remove any internal parasites. Depending on the dewormer used, it will typically cost between $3-$12 a tube.
Some miniature horses may also need supplements. Supplements can range from $15-$30 a month on average.
Cost of Living
Miniature horses can often be kept in people’s backyards, with up to three miniature horses per acre. They should be kept in a barn or dry lot with a run in shed.
To keep your mini horse on your property, you can expect to pay around $50 to $150 a month. This includes the cost of barn maintenance, shavings, and additional supplies.
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You can also board your miniature horse at a barn. Traditional boarding typically costs between $300 to $700 a month, depending on where you live. This often includes a stall, turnout, food expenses, stall cleaning, shavings, and basic care.
If you plan to keep your miniature horse in training, it will typically cost between $400 to $800 a month. This cost generally includes all the services of boarding and the cost of training for your mini. Mini horses can be kept in training for driving, show halter, and jumping (where the mini is led with a handler, not ridden).
Pasture board is also an option and typically includes a pasture, run-in shed, and food expenses. This typically costs around $100 to $300 a month, depending on your location. Some places may charge less for mini horses, but it all just depends on the individual barn.
Cost of Farrier Visits
Miniature horses are more prone to hoof problems than full-sized horses due to their small stature. It is very important to get their feet trimmed by a farrier every 4-6 weeks to keep them healthy and prevent problems from occurring.
Oftentimes, miniature horses won’t wear shoes unless they have a hoof problem. It generally costs around $15-$20 a visit to trim a miniature horse’s hooves.
Cost of Vet Visits
Just like full-sized horses, miniature horses need to be regularly visited by the vet. This often includes routine check-ups and vaccines.
On average, it will cost around $100 for routine check-ups and vaccines a year. However, this price can range widely based on any medical needs or emergencies your horse may have. Miniature horses are also prone to teeth problems, so they may need their teeth floated, which can cost $60 to $100 a visit.
Going Miniature
Though miniature horses can be more affordable to own than full-sized horses, they still require lots of care. Before buying a miniature horse, it is important you research all the care they need in order to provide them a good life. They can make wonderful horses to own and have lovable personalities.
Source: horseyhooves.com
