Can miniature ponys be kept in the house?

Question

I've heard about people keeping miniature ponys in their house just like dogs... let them sleep on their bed etc. And I know they can be used for blind people instead of seeing eye dogs.... is it really a good idea to keep a miniature pony inside, even if it gets adequate time and exercise outdoors? If so, can they be potty trained like dogs so they don't mess in the house?
How pricey are they - how much money should be expected to be spent on food etc.?

Answer 1

I sincerely hope that you are not considering keeping a miniature horse in your house. Miniature horses are used as service animals as someone already said, but usually for epileptics or disabled individuals not blind people because they spook too easily and attract too much attention. I have trained horses to poo in a muck bucket in the corner of their stall, but as horses are hind gut digesters and are constantly digesting food, you cannot house train them or keep them from pooing as that could easily constipate them and cause colic by impaction. They do make horsey diapers....but that is ridiculous. As to your inquiry as to their cost. Minis can range from free to several hundred dollars to over 100,000.00 for a show quality pet. On average expect to pay between 500.00 and 2,000.00. They do not eat much and are often over fed. A bag of grain (between 10.00 and 20.00) will last months and a bale of hay averages like 5.00 and will last about a week and a half. Vet bills will average at least 200.00 a year, don't forget hoof trims, 25.00-50.00 and wormers, and grooming supplies and such. You will need to build a shelter and fence in your yard if you are considering getting a mini.

Answer 2

I have been showing and breeding miniature horses for approx 6 years. They are HORSES not dogs!! While you can put them in the house (and you "could" put a full size horse in your house) I do not recommend it. Its not healthy for the horse or people. Just like any horse they prefer to be outside with other horses.

Also I do not at all agree that they make good guides for the blind. There are many debates over this is really a good thing for a miniature horse or a blind person. Most blind associations strongly disagree with using a horse. Unlike dogs, horses are flight animals.

I will say though they are awesome little horses and easy to train. But they are still horses and should be treated like horses. They buck, rear, canter, gallop just like any full sized horse would. They do eat a lot less though :) And make a lot less manure.

You can find miniatures in every price range from 500-50,000.00. Be sure you buy from a reputable breeder or you could be buying more problems then you want.

You can see mine on my website at www.baxterspaintedpasture.com

Answer 3

While miniature horses can come in the house it is very unwise to do. Miniature horses are exactly what their name says: horses. So they need fresh air and room to run like all other horses and ponies do. Most seeing eyes horses do not live in the house and stay outside when they are off duty. It is possible to potty train them but it is very difficult and if you are not experienced you probably wouldn't be able to do it.

Miniatures can also be very destructive and can ruin one's home. They like to chew on wood so any wood surface is a possible target. They are also incredibly curious so they would get into just about everything.

Unless you have a valid reason to put a mini in a house, you shouldn't do it. You would have to bomb proof your house and constantly be watching the horse to make sure it didn't get into trouble. A mini could easily get hurt in a house.

It does not cost much to feed the average mini. It actually costs more to get its hooves trimmed and get its usual vet checks. A mini can be anywhere from $300 to $50,000 or more. I strongly advise you to not put a mini in your home!

Answer 4

Miniature horses can be used in a similar capacity as a seeing eye dog is. However, Miniature Horses do not live in the house when they are not working, as it is not healthy for them. As a livestock animal, however highly trained the animal is, they need to be outside in the fresh air to help maintain their health. When Miniature horses function as a seeing eye animal, they are trained to control their bladders for up to 5 hours at a time but a professional needs to train them to do this, as they react very differently than a dog does. A horse is a prey animal and a dog is a predator, so training a horse is different from training a dog. Miniature horses even though they are much smaller than a pony or a horse still need to be treated and handled in the same way that a full sized horse is. Some people do keep Miniature horses in their homes, but it is not advisable. They are destructive and like all horses, can easily injure themselves in the safest situation. They will still need a proper diet and regular farrier and vet care, and several achers of space in order to be comfortable. They will need a safe, fenced in area with appropriate horse fencing, not dog fencing or barbed wire. They will also need a stable or run in shed for protection and shelter. A Miniature Horse needs to be cared for as a regular horse or pony would be, and should not be cared for by someone inexperienced, as they are much harder to care for than a dog or cat. Also, like horses and ponies, Miniature horses are herd animals. They are social creatures and will need at least one other horse, pony, Mini, or Donkey on the property to be comfortable. Expect to spend a few thousand dollars a year per animal to keep them healthy and well cared for.

Answer 5

No way, they would stink so bad, and use the carpet as a toilet. Some people that do this basically commit there live to it and re model there whole house. So it is pretty un realistic. The seeing eye ponies are still housed outside from what i've seen.

Answer 6

I'm assuming you mean a miniature horse.

Depends on how often you are willing to clean up horse manure. I'd say you probably wouldn't want to clean it up as often as the little dear will leave it for you.

They are darling, but better left outside.

Answer 7

I have 3 mini's and the littlest one gets to come in the house but only for a little while.

Answer 8

umm well yes u can keep it in the house but it is extremly hard 2 potty train them u have 2 work on it every day and the food and stuff isnt that expensive but it isnt the cheapist i hope this helps bi

Answer 9

If I had one I'd keep it in the house! All of my animals are like family to me! As for the feeding part, I wouldn't imagine it being any more than a large large dog.... Why do you ask? Do you have one? Kewl!

Answer 10

That a pretty cool link torbaynewfs gives us. I Bookmarked it.
Below are 2 links may help you on caring for you little mini.
http://www.blackdraft.com/minihorsecare.htm
http://www.americanminiaturehorse.com/Care.htm