By Nicole Fava
Let’s face it . . . as horse lovers and owners, we’ve all contemplated owning a miniature horse at some point. Some of us have even bit the bullet and added a fun-sized equine to our herd! Here are some reasons why we love mini horses.
1. They make great companions. Many will choose a miniature horse as a companion for a retired horse, or as a pet for a person that has no desire to ride.
2. They are lower maintenance. Miniature horses consume the same feed as larger horses, but in smaller quantities! They only need 2-5 pounds of food per day, in comparison to a regular horse that needs 15-20 pounds. In addition, most minis have tough hooves and can go barefoot depending on the career you choose for them.
3. They can be trained to ride or drive. Ground driving is a popular method of training a miniature horse to accept a bridle and develop a solid foundation before a child backs it. But beyond ground driving and riding, miniature horses are a great choice for pulling carts!
4. They can be competitive! There are plenty of shows specific to miniature horses. The American Miniature Horse Association hosts shows all around the country. Your state may even have its own miniature horse club! Minis can be shown in the following:
— In-hand events
— Halter
— Showmanship
— Hunter
— Jumper
— Liberty
— Versatility
— Driving events
— Pleasure
— Roadster
— Obstacle
— Team
— Ridden events (for small children)
— Barrel racing (particularly in the “PeeWee” division)
— Leadline
— And MORE!
5. They make great therapy animals. Perhaps you’ve seen articles about miniature horses wearing tiny shoes and visiting hospital residents. A miniature horse’s small size makes them less intimidating to those who are new to horses, plus they fit better indoors! To see some therapy minis in action, check out Jasper Ridge Farm at www.jasperridgefarm.org.
6. They are great for children. Assuming you’ve taught your miniature horse some manners, they can be the perfect first pony for a small child to learn the ropes with.
7. They have a long lifespan. Miniature horses are known to be hardy, living about 1/3 longer than their full-sized counterparts.
8. They are cute as a button. But you already knew that!
A miniature horse could be a great addition to your herd. Though pint-sized, most minis have huge personalities and are bound to put a smile on your face!