Cross Breeds

why miniature horses?

i went to the horse auction the other day and watched the miniature horses bring three times as much as the regular horses. now as a trainer im asking myself why not train miniatures instead of regular horses? is there anything in particular that people want in a miniature? does registration matter much? any info would be helpful. thanks

Public Comments

1. I'm not expert on miniatures, however I would assume for a breeder, or shower, etc. that registration and pedigree would be important for your clients. Most minis go for halter and cart showing so far as I know. The "Arabian" look in them seems to be very popular as opposed to the typical 'pudgy pony' idea. Pintos also seem to catch the eye more on the market. Training over all, I would suspect good ground manners and some flash, perhaps a prancy/flashy trot, or good position under cart would also attract buyers and strengthen your business.
2. miniature horses go for more sometimes because they can be great kids horses. i dont know if registrations matters much but as long as it has a good temperament then you can get alot more money for them.
3. I have two miniature donkeys and going to train them for driving a cart this spring...they are so smart, and fun to be around.
4. I'm not sure what it is, but I noticed the same thing. Sometimes they won't get 100$ for two horses, but the smaller the mini the higher the price goes. I think they're buying them for kids.
5. mini's go for higher becuase alot of people are buying them for children, or they dont really want a horse to ride, but to keep as a pet and they are so cute and small, people think that they are just like caring for a dog, which they aren't. i personally think that training mini's is a good idea, but i wouldn't give up training horses all together. even though minis sometimes get good money, most people are looking for well trained horses because usually if you are older then eight or so, you cant ride a mini.
6. People want them because they're tiny and cute. There's really not a whole lot you can do with them, just like the crazy horses people buy that would kill you if it had the chance because "its pretty". But i had a mini when i was younger. she was pretty cool. she thought she was a dog. she would chase my dad and my brother around the yard on thier bikes.
7. I have a friend that shows minis and yes, registration matters. Just like regular horses, the pedigree, confirmation, and looks are all very important. People sometimes have minis just as pets, like dogs or something. Others use them to move things, kinda like a mule or donkey does, they have carts you can hook them up to and then they can pull them. Also some people really like teaching their kids how to ride on minis before regular sized horses because of the size and the kids don't have that far to fall! Minis are also shown. They are shown in halter classes, showmanship classes, confimation/color classes, cart classes, jumping classes (I think you just lead the horse over the jumps or lunge it over the jumps, not possitive), and they do have some riding classes for little kids. I think that's about all, but you can make some pretty good money showing and training minis, they can go for a lot! Hope I helped!
8. Miniatures are a lot less money to feed thats all i can figure. The horse market is so terrible right now.
9. the smaller the better, if you find a very small one and it's a male, keep it at stud and breed it! also if you're mini can drive you're in the gold.
10. I think they are popular for several reasons. First as horse people get older they tend to have illness or fear of injury. They still want that horse lifestyle and the opportunity to compete. I have heard that the shows are a family event with Grandparents and Grandchildren showing against each other, which is really great. Also if you have always wanted to own a horse the mini would be more appealing because the amount of commitment financially and space/shelter is much smaller. Most people don't have zoning issues because mini are smaller then alot of peoples dogs. I think it is a way to have a horse without all the big fears or issues that come with the horse lifestyle. My sister and I joke that when we are in our 80's we will be the hunched over little ladies showing our minis because we would never be able to live without the sounds and smells of horses.
11. i just read an article about miniature horses being used as guide animals for the blind, seems some horses will naturally guide another horse if it looses its sight....
12. Minature can be more populare to some who love the idea of horses but either are not confident with a larger horse, or don't have the space. People also state that it is cheaper, but I've never owned a cheap horse....ever. If you want to train mini's it helps if your short :-) Even mini's need training, basic manners, loading, leading etc. No-one likes an ankle-biter :-) ha ha