Cross Breeds

miniature horses for companions?

I think i want to get one and i won't ride it i just want a buddy(possibly get a miniature that can pull a cart), and since i am less comfortable with handling a horse than riding and i want to get my handling skills improved, and i think since miniature horses are smaller and need less food and are (supposed to be) easier to handle i would buy one. good idea?

Public Comments

1. miniatures make great buddies, if your horse is really big and alfa then id be careful, horses can be ruff on each other, getting one that would pull a cart would be great, they do need less food and are usally easy to handle, but they can also be mean, they like to bit and kick, but not all, also if you get one make sure you have good fence, they are escape artists, but i think it would be a good idea if u got one\ : )
2. the thing that horses are easier to care for is total myth. they founder, they get injured limbs, they get ill, they are just a mess sometimes. The mini I have is a total sweet heart. but she's heavily obese. Minis are hard to keep at a good weight. so having them as 'companions' is never a good idea, because all they will do is eat and sleep. maybe walk around sometimes. So driving them can be good, but my mini was completely frustrated when i drove her and started rearing up. They have attitude, but they are sweeties. If you were to get a mini, make sure it's trained to drive if you want to drive it, because it's frustrating for horse and owner to learn to drive a horse while teaching the horse. But minis are excellent and I love them.
3. Excellent idea! I currently have a mini shetland as a companion for my cob. He has a lovely nature and is definitely less work. My sister has recently lost her confidence with horses and when given the opportunity to handle the shetland it gave her a real confidence boost. They are also far cheaper as you only have to pay for a trim when the farrier comes out and because they are not in work they require less feed. However i have found that my miniatures weight is very difficult to control. Good luck.
4. Great idea! Miniture ponies are great compainions and do great in what ever situation. They love to be pet, loved, and handeled. Great little friends. Mini's are definitly cheaper. they are great little cart pullers and its lots of fun! If you got really into it you could even show in cart classes. Lots of fun! If you get one I hope you have lots of fun! Best of wishes=]
5. I love minis, but there are a few misconceptions to get over-- Yes he would be a good companion, but he will be another horse to take care of and minis are prone to founder so you can't put them on lush grass.I miniature horse doesn't neccessarily prepare you to work with larger horses. A cart is very expensive $500 for the cart at least $130 for the harness. For your purpose I wouldn't pay more than $400-$500 for mini. They still need shots, hay-winter, hoof care, and to be wormed. If you have anymore questions- feel free to ask me
6. Minis can be cantankerous little stinkers. The only thing that makes them easier to handle is thier size. They tend to have bad manners because they are so darn cute they don't get corrected like a big horse would. But they do make nice pets, they don't take up so much space and they don't eat as much as a big horse. BUT they still need the same care which can cost just as much. They need pasture or plenty of hay, vet and farrier care, worming and dental care. They can pull a cart and are tons of fun when you have nicely trained cart pony.