im looking into buying a few minis. I would like to know the estimated costs of feed, vet etc. Weekly monthly or yearly and if its best to get 2 or 1? please answer :P
2006-10-09 12:07:43 · 3 answers · asked by Bree 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
One miniature horse is plenty unless you plan on breeding. A bargin price would be $300 to $10,000 for the pony. Plan on between $100-$200 a month for upkeep.
They are livestock and will need to be in a properly zoned area.
2006-10-09 12:20:59 · answer #1 · answered by answer annie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, I'm giving wide ballpark figures here, but figure $8-$10 bucks per bale of hay (I have 2 horses and I go thru 10 bales of hay in about 3 weeks - you will obviously use much less)
about $15 for a bag of grain (if you feed grain - a bag of grain for me lasts between 2-6 weeks depending on time of year and how much I'm working my horses)
$30-$70 for ferrier every 8 weeks
about $150-$200 for standard vet visit twice per year (shots & check-up), not to mention any additional visits during the year.
Add in cost of wormer every 8 weeks, psyllium (to prevent colic), salt/minerals and any suppliments you may need to give to maintain health.
Various equipment - halter, lead rope, brush, hoof pick ect...this stuff is pretty cheap
Plus, if you don't have fencing, shade and water, you'll need to set that up first. When you average it all out, it can get quite costly.
As for how many to get - that is totally up to you and your space. I started with one horse but then thought he'd be lonely - they are herd animals so their natural need is for companionship...so I got another (lame) horse who was destined for the "glue factory" to be his stable mate. Consider why it is that you want to get a mini pony....is it just because you want to look out into your yard and see this cute mini pony, or will you actually use it?
Make sure you do your research first about breeds...some ponys can be quite "moody" and not really appropriate for kids to be handling. Also, keep in mind, it's not like a dog - you can't board it if you decide to go away, you have to have someone come and feed twice a day.
They say that over 1/2 of new horse owners get out of it within the 1st year...and another 1/2 of the remaining by the end of the 2nd year. Personally, I would never give up my horses unless I had to, but they are a LOT of work (and I never get to sleep in anymore)...even the one that can't be ridden requires a lot of work. So be sure you really think hard about the decision before jumping in.
Good luck!
2006-10-09 19:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by Madikam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not mention how old you are...how old the mini's are...have you ever owned one. Do you have aplace for them.
But we spend for food,,,grain, hydro, hay, meds. worm medication, eye meds, you will need items for cleaning thier ears, nose, brush thier teeth, you will need someone to do thier hoof care unless you know how....you will need yearly shots we give our own but most cost about $180 per horse. You will need equipment to upkeep...brush every day, clean hoofs, comb main/tail, eyes, ears...check for ticks, flys, chiggers, its alot of work but its alot of love given back. Hope I didnt scare yo uoff but too many folks buy cause they want to say they own a horse...so make sure you want the responsablity that goes with them. Good Luck
2006-10-09 20:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by possmdillolady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋