How Much Does a Miniature Horse Cost?
Miniature horse costs between $500 and $7,000. They’re one of the smallest horse breeds in the world but are not considered ponies.
If you’ve got limited space or you’re not ready for a full-size horse, then a miniature horse breed could be just right for you. They’re easier to manage, cheaper to care for, and small children love them.
However, one may easily mistake their size and price. That’s why we’re here to give you the real numbers, from how much a miniature horse costs on the market to the price of caring for one.
How Much Does a Miniature Horse Cost in the US?
Miniature horses cost between $500 and $7,000+ in the US.
The main registries for miniature horses are:
The AMHA gives breeders pricing guidelines, but the final price is up to each individual breeder. Either way, they’re usually within the above-mentioned price range.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Miniature Horse?
Factors that influence the cost of miniature horses are age, training, pedigree, size, gender, health, location, and the horse’s purpose of use.
Age
- Foals (up to 1 year): from $500 to $2,000
- Young horses (1-3 years): between $1,000 and $3,000
- Mature horses (4+ years): between $1,000 and $5,000
Training and skills
- Untrained: $500 – $2,000; often used as companions for other animals but may need some training further down the line.
- Basic training: $1,500 – $4,000 for light farm work
- Advanced training: $3,000 – $7,000 for cart-pulling, horse therapy, or shows
Pedigree and bloodline
- High-quality pedigree: $2,000 – $5,000
- Average pedigree: $500 – $1,500
Size and build
- Smaller minis (under 34 in): $500 – $3,000
- Larger minis (around 38 in): $1,000 – $4,000
Gender
- Mares: $1,000 – $4,000, prized for breeding
- Geldings: $500 – $3,000, used for cart-pulling or companionship
- Stallions: $2,000 – $6,000, for breeding suitability
Health condition
- Excellent health: Normal market rate
- Health issues: $200 – $1,000
Location
- Cheaper areas (e.g. Midwest): $500 – $3,000
- Expensive areas (e.g. California): $3,000 – $7,000
Purpose
- Companion mini horses: $500 – $3,000, loved for their gentle nature
- Show mini horses: $2,000 – $5,000, valued for their excellent conformation and training
- Therapy or cart-pulling mini horses: $3,000 – $7,000, prized for their specialized skills
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Miniature Horse?
The cost of owning a miniature horse is between $6,000 and $32,000 yearly. Here’s everything you need to budget for.
Boarding costs
The cost of boarding a horse depends on the type of boarding facility. However, it usually ranges between $600 and $7,200 annually.
- Basic boarding: $100 – $400/monthly. A basic stall and pasture care and services like feeding and cleaning.
- Full-service boarding: $300 – $600/monthly. This includes grooming, premium feeding, routine exercise, and more. It’s Ideal for owners who want hands-off care for their miniature horse.
- Pasture boarding: $50 – $200/monthly. Outdoor care with access to shelter and feed. Training and grooming are usually not included.
Feeding costs
Feeding costs vary greatly from one horse to another. For miniature horses, the costs are usually lower than for normal-sized horses.
Grain: $20 – $60/monthly
- These horses are small, so their grain needs are minimal compared to regular-sized horses.
- The type of grain (regular vs specialty) and the horse’s dietary needs determine the specific cost.
Hay: $15 – $40/monthly
- Miniature horses eat 1-2 bales of hay per month.
- Costs depend on the quality and type of hay (timothy, alfalfa), as well as regional availability.
Supplements: $10 – $30/monthly
- Includes vitamins, minerals, and/or supplements for hooves, joints, thyroid health, etc.
- Depends on the specific needs of the horse and whether it has any health issues.
Treats: $10 – $20/monthly
- No more than 10% of a miniature horse’s daily diet.
- Safe options include carrots, apples, strawberries, blackberries, celery, and more.
Annual total: $660 – $1,800
Healthcare and vet bills
Regular healthcare is a must for any horse, but specific health needs depend on the horse’s health condition.
- Routine veterinary care: $15 – $50/monthly. This covers vaccinations, dental care, and general check-ups
- Farrier services: $15 – $40/every 6-8 weeks. Miniature horses need regular hoof care, though they may not need shoes like larger horses.
- Emergency vet care: $500 – $2,500. Emergency treatments include colic, surgeries, or injuries.
Annual total: $380 – $1,120
Insurance costs
Horse insurance covers your expenses from unfortunate events like major injury or loss of life.
- Mortality insurance: $60 – $250/yearly. Covers the horse’s value if it passes away.
- Comprehensive medical insurance: $150 – $300/yearly. Covers significant medical expenses.
Annual total: $216 – $600
Gear and accessories
There are all kinds of horse gear and accessories. Some may be more decorative (for special events), while others may be simple and functional.
- Saddle: $300 – $1,500. These are specialized mini-sized saddles, usually customized for specific uses like carriage pulling.
- Bridle and halter: $30 – $200. Bridle and halter specifically designed for miniature horses.
- Horse blankets: $40 – $200/each. Blankets are ideal for weather changes and keeping the horse comfortable.
- Miscellaneous gear: $50 – $300. Includes grooming supplies like a horse brush, as well as lead ropes and other essentials.
Total: $420 – $2,200
Training costs
Most miniature horses are companion animals, in which case they don’t need any specific training. If you intend to use your horse for other purposes, you may need to budget for training.
- Basic training: $300 – $800/monthly. Basic obedience and groundwork training.
- Professional training: $500 – $1,200/monthly. In-depth training for specific tasks, like cart pulling competitions, carnivals, or horse therapy work.
Total: $3,600 – $14,000
Registration costs for shows and events
Costs for competitions vary by event, distance from your home, and the number of competitions you plan to enter your miniature horse into throughout the year.
- Show registration fees: $50 – $200/per event. Fees to participate in shows or competitions can vary depending on the event’s prestige.
- Travel and accommodation: $100 – $400/per event. Transporting your horse and potential overnight stays.
Annual total: $600 – $7,200
How Much Does a Miniature Horse Cost in the UK?
Miniature horses cost between £500 and £5,000+ ($610 – $6,100+) in the UK. The main registry for this breed is the British Miniature Horse Society (BMHS).
Miniature horses are mostly bred as companions rather than skills, which affects their market value. Their prices are comparable to foals of bigger breeds than trained adults.
For example:
- The cost of an American Paint horse is £3,000-£15,000+ ($3,660 – $18,300+) for adults and £2,000-£5,000 ($2,440 – $6,100) for foals.
- The cost of a Percheron horse is £2,000-£15,000+ ($2,440 – $18,300+), and £2,000-£5,000 ($2,440 – $6,100) for foals.
- The cost of a Gypsy horse is £5,000-£20,000+ ($6,100 – $24,400+), but £2,000-£5,000 ($2,440 – $6,100) for foals.
FAQs
What is the cost difference between a miniature horse and other horse breeds?
The cost difference between a miniature horse ($1,000 – $18,000) and other horse breeds is typically $2,500 to $24,500+. This is because bigger horses have better skills for riding, farm work, or competing.
Here’s how much other breeds cost:
- The cost of a Belgian horse: $5,000 to $25,000+
- The cost of a Mustang horse: $500 to $12,000+
- The cost of a Shire horse: $2,500 and $20,000+
- The cost of a Tennessee Walking horse: $3,000 to $10,000+
Do miniature horses make good pets?
Miniature horses make good pets. They’re small, friendly, and gentle. Miniatures are also relatively easy and cheaper to care for compared to other breeds. They need less space than large horses, which is a bonus for horse owners with smaller yards.
How long do miniature horses live?
Miniature horses live from 25 to 35 years. Their small size comes with fewer health complications. But just like larger horse breeds, miniature horses need routine care to live a long life. This includes regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and a quality living environment.
Final Thoughts
Miniature horses cost $500 to $7,000, depending on their age, pedigree, health, and where you purchase them from. Owning one also means costs for feeding, vet bills, grooming, and more—which can set you back $6,000 to $32,000 yearly.
Before you purchase a miniature horse:
- Make sure they have space, shelter, and secure fencing
- Be ready for daily grooming and exercise
- Budget for feeding and vet care
- Stay on top of their diet, vaccinations, and hoof care
- Think about how they’ll get along with other pets
Double-check your budget for these horses before you make any long-term horse commitments.
