With their pint-size build, personable nature, versatility, and, of course, utterly adorable appearance, Miniature Horses are popular with both first-time owners and lifelong equestrians. But how much does a Miniature Horse Cost? According to the American Miniature Horse Association, a Mini can cost anywhere from under $1,000 to well over $100,000, depending on its bloodlines, experience, and conformation.
The purchase price, however, is just the beginning. Before you start scrolling online listings and fall in love with a Mini, remember one very important point: While it might seem logical that a smaller horse would also have smaller bills, it costs nearly the same amount of money to care for a Mini as it does a full-size horse. Here’s why and what to consider.
Most Costs Stay the Same
Despite their small stature, Minis are still horses. They have all the same health and care requirements as their larger counterparts. You can expect to spend a similar amount of money for a Mini’s housing, vet, and farrier bills.
Housing
Because of their size, Minis can comfortably live in smaller stalls and turnout areas than larger equids. So, you don’t need as much land to house them—one acre can house up to three Minis. If you plan to board your Miniature Horse, however, don’t expect to get discounted boarding rates. Most barns charge the same amount per horse, regardless of its size, as they require the same resources from the boarding business.
The good news? Minis are hearty little creatures and generally easy keepers, so many don’t require high-priced or labor-intensive full-care board with all the bells and whistles. Many thrive living out full-time (provided they have adequate food, water, and shelter, of course).
One word of caution: Mini horses are prone to obesity, metabolic issues, and laminitis. Consuming too much pasture grass can have life-threatening consequences. This means if your Mini lives out 24/7, you’ll need to take steps to ensure he doesn’t overeat, whether it’s swapping between pasture and drylot turnout or using a grazing muzzle.
Veterinary Care
Most veterinary expenses will be comparable to those for larger horses. This includes vaccines, parasite control, wellness exams, and emergency farm calls.
Hoof Care
The same largely holds true for hoof care, except that most Minis don’t require shoes. This certainly represents a savings compared to larger horses. Many farriers charge the same to trim a Mini as they do a larger horse, though some might offer a discounted rate. Depending on price trends in your geographic location, your farrier’s experience, and other factors, expect to pay at least $40 to $60 for a trim. Two points to consider:
- Not all farriers work on Minis, so confirm this in advance.
- While Minis don’t typically wear shoes, there are exceptions. They can require specialized hoofwear if they regularly work on hard or rocky surfaces—for example, driving on trails or walking on asphalt, as many therapy Minis do.
Related Reading: What Does it Cost to Own a Horse?
Things That Cost Less
While many expenses remain the same as full-size horses and ponies, Miniature Horses do tend to cost less in a few areas. For example:
Bedding and Stall Upkeep
In many cases, outfitting and maintaining a Mini’s stall or housing area can save some green. For example, if he lives on pasture most of the time, you’ll save on stall bedding costs. An added bonus? Minis produce less manure and waste material than their larger counterparts. So if manure removal or disposal is part of your budget, you’ll be able to stretch that further, as well.
Feed Rations
Simply due to their size and body weight, Minis require much less feed than ponies and horses. In fact, consuming too much feed will put them at risk for obesity and its related health issues.
Some companies have designed feeds specifically for Minis, and many of these products cost less than generic horse feeds. Minis can also eat the same feeds as larger horses (such as ration balancers or growth formulas) as long as you select the right product for your horse’s life stage, activity level, and individual needs. You’ll still pay the same per bag of feed or bale of hay, but they’ll last longer because of the smaller feeding rates.
It’s important to ensure your Mini is receiving all the nutrients he needs from those smaller amounts of feed. Ask your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist if you have any questions or simply want to ensure your Mini’s diet hits the mark.
Meds and Other Products
Veterinarian-prescribed medications that are dosed based on body weight might cost you less in the long run if you’re administering them to a Mini. The same is true for stable and grooming box essentials, such as fly sprays, bathing supplies, hoof oils, show preparation products, and sunscreen.
A word of caution: Because these products generally last for longer periods, be sure they haven’t expired before administering them to your Miniature Horse, particularly if you only use them sporadically (such as with anti-inflammatories like Bute).
Tack and Equipment
Mini-sized tack, horsewear, and equipment—halters, blankets, harnesses, carts, stall supplies, etc.—tend to be less expensive, simply because they require fewer materials to manufacture.
Does Anything Cost More?
While Miniature Horses shouldn’t necessarily be any more expensive than other horse breeds, it’s important to remember they are, indeed, horses that can incur unexpected and/or significant expenses.
Minis are prone to developing certain health conditions—obesity, endocrine issues, laminitis, dental problems, and more—all of which require special, often long-term, care, treatment, and management from horse health professionals. In these cases, veterinary and farrier bills can stack up quickly.
The Bottom Line
While Miniature Horses are small in stature, they are still horses and have all the same requirements as larger horse. There are a few areas in which you’ll likely save some money with Minis, but don’t expect their expenses to be proportional to their size.
Related Reading:
- 15 Facts About Caring for Miniature Horses
- Horses, Ponies, and Minis: What’s the Difference?
- The American Miniature Horse: A Guide to This Adorable Breed
Erica Larson is a lifelong equestrian with extensive experience in many disciplines (from three-day eventing to driving mini horses) and in managing a wide range of horses (from seniors to fresh off-the-track Thoroughbreds to high-performance athletes). She resides near Lexington, Kentucky, with her two OTTBs, Eldorado’s Tune and Sniper Shot.
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