Cross Breeds

Is a miniature horse cheaper than a regular horse?

We own some land and have a good barn. I know horses are expensive, but do the miniature horses cost less? I don't mean for the horse itself, but for all the upkeep and vet bills.

Public Comments

1. No, it's the same as a bigger horse. All vet fees, food fees, care fees are the same... except miniatures are ponies you cannot ride or train, so you save SOME money from not buying tack. Miniatures hate feeling small. Treat them equally - also, you don't have to have your paddock fences so high, or your stalls so big, they will HATE that. Since the fees are the same, if your barn is more suitable for bigger horses, go for a bigger horse... this way, you can also ride!
2. mini's will eat less then a big horse but vet bills and all that will be the same and most mini's hate being in a stall meant for a big horse like they can't see out, or can't stick their head over the fence rails. if your barn is meant for big horses it would not be a big difference and overall better to get a real horse. it's for me about 250 per month for my horse
3. no. it's the same. the mini still has to get vaccines, teeth floated, feet trimmed.... it might eat less, but that's about it. horses really aren't all that expensive. it depends.... they're not as expensive as kids. ;-)
4. no it requires all of the same things like vet, food, hay, water, grooming supplies and a wagon if you plan to teach the pony to drive. :)
5. The only thing that may be cheaper would be feed. Minis dont eat quite at much a the big horses do but other then that no. Vet bills farrier bills..tack...equitment... labor.... everything eles will still run you the same. It may only be cheaper because hay and grain wont go as quick.
6. we have regular horses, and aside from getting fences and housing and stuff it really isn't very expensive at all. if you already have a barn and fences it wont make much of a difference in price. vet bills should be the same, and they horses don't eat that much more hay then miniature ponies. and if you got a horse, you can ride him!
7. ITS THE SAME!
8. No! It's not, its actually the same cost as any big horse!