Question:I really need to know everything there is to know on caring for mini ponies. From how much space they need what they eat, and can they live indoors as pets. I know this is alot to ask for but, I just need to know if my home would be suited for one!
Answers:
Well miniature horses need just about everything ther regular sized cousins need. Some can end up living indoors and there are even "guide ponies" for the blind and disabled, which are actually very very well trained minis. However, if this is your first horse, you would most likely want to keep the horse in a stall or out in pasture just like you would a regular horse because not many of them do well housetrained...also diet depends on the horse, the age, the size, and lots of other factors!! you would probably do best seeking the help of someone experienced because I'm sure you have tons of questions to ask! Also, horses can be quite expensive, and depending on what you want to do with your horse, the price can vary. If all you want is a pasturemate, you can just pay for the vet farrier and food. but if you dont have a place to keep it, you also need to pay for board at a local stables, which can cost around 200-300 dolalrs a month depending on the stables. farrier bills also vary depending on how good your horses feet are and how much maintenance is required. I would say your horse would cost at LEAST 2kish 3kish every year to keep. possibly even more. Mini horses take just as much care as a regular horse even though they are much smaller!! Also keep in mind the horses exercise!! at least half an hour a day if the horse isn't turned out in pasture. Here is a few helpful websites.
http://www.blackdraft.com/minihorsecare.
http://www.guidehorse.org/faq.htm...
http://www.amha.org/
http://www.americanminiaturehorse.com/pe...
I think you should ask your parents first if they would consider a little horse in the house.
i saw one on rob and big it was cool lol
http://www.shadyoakshorsefarm.com/minica...
This site has basics, for the cost, i would go to a feed store and ask the prices on feed, i have 4 horses so it cost us well over the amount it would cost to feed one mini. Or find a mini barn near you and go learn as much as you can! They are wonderful little critters, Good Luck!
http://www.amha.org/index.asp?keyname=11...
Also try doing a search online. Look at bookstores to see if they have any books about them. I found this piece of information in a magazine of mine.
A 6' X 8' box stall might be fine for a mini horse. The height of the ceiling should allow for good ventilation, but also be low enough to keep out major drafts. Make sure you check it over thoroughly to avoid any sharp edges, exposed nails, or wood splinters. A clay or dirt floor is fine.
Expenses include
-The cost of the horse
-Feed and access to fresh water
-Play/Exercise area
-Regular grooming (and the cost of tools)
-Regular vet care, including worming treatments, etc.
Contact other mini owners, visiting mini farms, and reading up on minis will help you make a well-informed decision.
I heard that they can live as indoor pets. I think they mainly eat grass/hay. Your best bet is too find a mini horse book at the store/library and read as much as you can. Good Luck!
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