Miniature horses fit a variety of lifestyles, many people who can’t own a large horse can enjoy one of these little guys, and they are all horse in the personality department. They really don’t know they are small, and provide great company for a smaller, private yard for their owners. Some more active seniors find that though they are no longer capable of caring for large horses in their golden years, they have little or no trouble keeping up with a pint sized version. Small children learning the ropes so to speak can find these lovely companions a great way to start the odyssey into the world of equines. Disabled individuals of many different backgrounds can find that they are able to manage one of these diminutive creatures, with wonderful therapeutic effect. They are available for reasonable prices in every shade imaginable, with a wide range of temperaments and individuality per animal.  Just don't buy someone one of these fine horse gifts without talking with them, their parents, care takers, or spouses first.

Horses are really a herd animal, and many people make the mistake of not thinking of minis in the big horse department.  They get darn lonely if they live all by themselves, and can be extremely demanding time wise if you are their only source of entertainment.  I like two about the same age because they will usually meet each other’s exercise requirements nicely, but two horses of very different measure can be very satisfied with the company they both provide if the match is right.  Two will be fairly easy and affordable to feed, and many farriers will give you a break for having them both trimmed at the same time.   Two similar animals can also be driven together, provided the two have a comparable size and gait, or even colors for showing.

Do know that not every farrier will trim minis, or will give a price break based on their size, after all they have the same amount of feet as a big horse and trimming one means getting on your hands and knees to get the job done, as most won’t enjoy being flipped over for service! They have to be trimmed a little more often to keep their feet really nice, and about six weeks instead of eight for big horses is typical in my area. The reason is they don’t have weight and gravity wearing off the distortion and growth the hoof produces. Many minis are overweight, and founder, just like in big horses, is even more predominating in minis. They do seem to suffer a significant amount of metabolic disease and having a blood panel run on one is a good idea pre purchase.