This is a wonderful breed that brings endless pleasure to many people. The Miniature Horse Association of Nova Scotia encourages every new buyer to learn about proper husbandry and remember that Minis are living creatures and require appropriate care. Before purchasing your first Miniature Horse, please consider the following:
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Mature stallions require experienced handlers.
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Young stallions may become difficult to deal with or even dangerous as they mature if not handled properly.
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Mares and geldings are the best pets for children and inexperienced handlers.
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Young stallions can usually be gelded at an early age.
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Choose a veterinarian and establish a relationship BEFORE you have an emergency. It is a good idea to have your vet out to see your new horse as soon as you bring it home to check its general health.
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Ask the seller about the horse’s medical history (vaccines, deworming).
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Safe transport home is a must! Ask around to see who has a trailer and may be going your way. Expect to pay up to $1 per kilometre but better deals are available if you’re on someone’s way home.
Safe transport includes:
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A secure, strong enclosure with high enough walls to prevent the horse from climbing or jumping out.
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A ceiling that is high enough for the horse to carry its head in a natural position with extra space so he won’t hit his head if he jumps up and down.
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A non-slippery floor to provide good footing so the horse doesn’t scramble or fall while in motion.
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A safe way to load such as a secure ramp or a small step.
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No overcrowding. It is not advisable to put horses together that don’t know each other.
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If traveling for more than 3 hours you should stop and offer your horse a drink of water.
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It is best not to leave a bucket in the stall with him while shipping.
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Some hay would be a good idea.
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If you’re having trouble loading ask a capable person for assistance. There is never any reason to roughly manhandle a horse while loading.
At home the Mini will need a safe stall and a paddock for turnout. Horses can live in the paddock if they have a good shelter to protect them from the rain, snow and wind. He should have fresh clean water at all times. The stall must be bedded with straw or wood shavings (many Minis will eat straw so shavings are better). Even if you have grass in your paddock your Mini will need hay and likely some grain. Don’t overfeed and don’t over graze. Your vet or the horse breeder can recommend a feeding program.
Costs of Keeping a Miniature Horse
The purchase price is only the beginning of horse ownership. Below is an estimated breakdown of some
basic costs you will run into for 1 horse.
Board (if you don’t keep him at home) - $150-300/month
Farrier for hoof trims - $15-30 every 6-8 weeks
Vaccinations (rabies, tetanus, flu, rhino, WNV) – approx. $100 once a year
Dental care – approx. $50-100/year if needed
Castration – approx. $125-200
**other vet costs such as treating mild colics/illness/cuts are unpredictable but should be anticipated.
Deworming (if you do it yourself) - approx. $14-30 /year
Shavings – approx. $50 /month
Hay - approx. $8-20 /month
Grain - $5/month or less
Misc. costs such as registration, halters, leads, brushes, buckets, harness, carts, treats, showing,
blankets, grooming products, clippers etc. will vary.
For more information consider joining MHANS. |