Want to buy a mini. What should I look for?

nadia · 06-05-2008, 10:15 PM

I have been bit by the mini fever and am starting to look for one. Is there anything in particular I need to know while shopping for one? What about introducing the mini to my full size boy, Beau? Any and all advice absolutely appreciated. The mini will be a pet for us and a friend for lonely Beau and I would like to have the option to show, so show quality would be nice.

horselady · 06-06-2008, 06:55 AM

Just as you would go looking for a big horse the same applies to the little guys. Health, straight teeth, legs, feet, and basic appearance.
I sell minis and people tell me what they are looking for and leave here with the total opposite. If you are going to show in rated mini shows than you will need registration papers. with either American Miniature Horse Registry or the American Miniature Horse Association These two just recognize different hieghts. Make sure the paper work is in order first. If just wanting a pet than your opitions are open.
To me love at first sight than choose wisely.
The two horse will be great together, just introduce slowly and all will be fine.

kaykay · 06-06-2008, 06:55 AM

If you want to show and dont want to pay too big of a price tag look for a show quality gelding. Most farms like myself offer big discounts for show geldings. Also geldings are just so fun to play with and show without the hormone issues of a mare or stallion.

Just a word of caution many miniature horse breeders will not sell a mini to be a companion to a big horse. The problem is minis are at just the right height to get a kick in the head from a big horse even if they are just running and playing. Many have died this way.

Be sure to research what you like and what good conformation is. Also ask for references and buy from a reputable breeder. Always get a contract! Also know there are 2 different registries AMHA and AMHR. If you want to show rated shows you might want to check in your area and see if there are more shows for one registry then another. For instance in Ohio they are almost all AMHR shows.

Just email anytime if you need help!

Kay

BarnBum · 06-06-2008, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nadia

I have been bit by the mini fever and am starting to look for one. Is there anything in particular I need to know while shopping for one? What about introducing the mini to my full size boy, Beau? Any and all advice absolutely appreciated. The mini will be a pet for us and a friend for lonely Beau and I would like to have the option to show, so show quality would be nice.

I can't help you out on the "show quality" part of buying a mini but in my avatar I have a 28" red roan. He is strictly a companion. I wanted a gelding when I went looking for a mini and well, they don't seem to exisist !! It was all mares or stallions. So, ended up buying my red roan mini as a stud and gelded him !! As a stud he was very quiet. As a gelding he is even more mellow. He is the best little mini around. Very laid back and loves attention. Him and my big gelding get along like mutt and jeff. They don't leave each others side. There is no picking on each other and no fighting. They have their own stalls and paddocks but get turned out together. He goes camping with us too !!! He gets treated the same as my big guy, trimmed, shots and wormings regularly and he eats litterally nothing. He gets more daily strongid C than grain !!! He eats coastal and OA. VERY easy keeper and neat ! He poops and pees in one spot and its not in his stall !!

kaykay · 06-06-2008, 09:50 AM

Its a shame that more breeders in the minis dont geld. We have no problem gelding here and this is the first year in 7 that we are offerring colts that can be stallions. I am very picky about what I will call stallion material. And although I have 2 that are good enough to be stallions I wouldnt hesitate to geld them. I may geld one and keep it to show next year

All of our colts are AMHR futurity nominated and you can win quite a bit of money in futurity classes.

Stormy's Human · 06-06-2008, 09:56 AM

I also have a little mini that I bought as a companion but he just turned 3 and I am going to get him trained to pull a cart soon. He is in with my other two horses and they do play but he is very fast and can make quick turns

he has never had a bite mark on him!!! I bought mine at 4 months old so he wasn't gelded yet but I had him gelded at 1 yr. They are so sweet and very, very smart!!! Good luck finding the right one for you!

Cariboo · 06-06-2008, 10:28 AM

I was told that if you go to see a mini, that you will buy a mini. It is a law of nature. You will not be able to walk away without buying one. Can't wait to see it!

ToveroMom · 06-06-2008, 10:31 AM

I am very pleased with my little mini mare.
Yes it really is too bad that many folks will not sell a mini as a companion for another horse..indeed it is.

horselady · 06-06-2008, 12:14 PM

I have no problem selling my minis for companions. of course not a foal or young mini.
As for not having geldings.
I have had Happen too many times that some will say"Oh I would buy him if he were a stallion. So now I do not geld unless absolutley necessary.
Some folks just want the fun of having a couple of mares and babies of their own an than geld.

Just go look with a open mind and check out all that are available, from Individual persons selling to breeders.
I have purchased some beauties from indviduals getting out of the mini business.

soft rider · 06-06-2008, 12:33 PM

I saw a mini at an auction a couple of years back, and i wasnt able to take on another horse at that time, and i am still kicking myself. I absolutely fell in love with this little guy, I still get a smile on my face every time i think about him, he was soooo cute. I even tried to track down that horse after the fact, lol.

Just goes to show you how they can capture your heart.

nadia · 06-06-2008, 12:41 PM

Yahoo! I am going here-> http://www.nakarminiatures.com/index.htm
tomorrow afternoon. Karin lives just a few miles from me and have always seen her minis in her yard since I was a little girl. She has so many beauties, it is going to be hard to choose.

I will bring my camera and give y'all a full report tomorrow night.

kaykay · 06-06-2008, 01:54 PM

Karin is a very reputable breeder! You will have a great time there. Cant wait to see what you get!

Kay

horselady · 06-08-2008, 06:51 AM

Nadia any news on the buying trip?
If it was not sucessful just keep looking.

blueberry · 06-08-2008, 08:15 AM

Okay--I checked out her website-----what a bunch of beauties!!! If you took your check book, I don't know how you made it home without one of them

farmergal · 06-08-2008, 10:06 AM

Seeing how I need to concentrate on building a barn for the minis I have I've been a good girl and haven't been looking, til today.

The name of this filly caught my eye. And to think she's not to far from home.

I even thought of emailing for a pic that is until my eyes glanced over and I read her price tag.

http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad203112

nadia · 06-08-2008, 12:40 PM

Well, yesterday I went to Karin's and fell in love with all of her babies. They were the sweetest little creatures. It started raing so I was only able to see weanlings yesterday and was supposed to go back today but...

I also went to see a 5 year old little sorrel shetland early this morning that rides and drives and bought him! His name is Teddy and is 41" tall and very kid broke so I won't have to do any training, YAY! LOL I actually drove him this morning with his cart for the first time ever and that was a BLAST! He is going to work out well for us right now because I wanted something I could ride Noah (who is in a wheelchair) in the cart and Brady (my 4 year old) will be able to ride lead line.

Here is a quick sneak peek of a pic the seller sent me yesterday-

I will have more tonight after he is delivered.

farmergal · 06-08-2008, 01:07 PM

I think you'll be very happy with your purchase. My woody is a 40" mini that is trained to ride and drive.

Can't wait to see pics of him in harness and on lead line.

horselady · 06-08-2008, 06:04 PM

Sounds like a good match and everyone will enjoy him. Perfect size and a good looking boy. Have fun,
Farmergal I almost chocked on my coffee looking at that one

I have a full sister to a two time national champion and not asking near that much,

nadia · 06-08-2008, 08:12 PM

I will be posting this on meet the horses too so excuse the cross post but here is Teddy and me today when he arrived. He is gaited and they desribed him as a shetland but he is not a shetland and he won't win any beauty contests, but we are thrilled to death with him.

blueberry · 06-08-2008, 10:01 PM

No need to apologize for making sure we all get to see Teddy. He sounds like a little charmer and you look so happy!!!! CONGRATS

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06-05-2008, 10:15 PM
nadia Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,045	Want to buy a mini. What should I look for? I have been bit by the mini fever and am starting to look for one. Is there anything in particular I need to know while shopping for one? What about introducing the mini to my full size boy, Beau? Any and all advice absolutely appreciated. The mini will be a pet for us and a friend for lonely Beau and I would like to have the option to show, so show quality would be nice. __________________ ~Nadia~ ~The secret to having it all is believing you already do.~

06-06-2008, 06:55 AM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,307	Just as you would go looking for a big horse the same applies to the little guys. Health, straight teeth, legs, feet, and basic appearance. I sell minis and people tell me what they are looking for and leave here with the total opposite. If you are going to show in rated mini shows than you will need registration papers. with either American Miniature Horse Registry or the American Miniature Horse Association These two just recognize different hieghts. Make sure the paper work is in order first. If just wanting a pet than your opitions are open. To me love at first sight than choose wisely. The two horse will be great together, just introduce slowly and all will be fine. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-06-2008, 06:55 AM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 555	If you want to show and dont want to pay too big of a price tag look for a show quality gelding. Most farms like myself offer big discounts for show geldings. Also geldings are just so fun to play with and show without the hormone issues of a mare or stallion. Just a word of caution many miniature horse breeders will not sell a mini to be a companion to a big horse. The problem is minis are at just the right height to get a kick in the head from a big horse even if they are just running and playing. Many have died this way. Be sure to research what you like and what good conformation is. Also ask for references and buy from a reputable breeder. Always get a contract! Also know there are 2 different registries AMHA and AMHR. If you want to show rated shows you might want to check in your area and see if there are more shows for one registry then another. For instance in Ohio they are almost all AMHR shows. Just email anytime if you need help! Kay __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter

06-06-2008, 09:50 AM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 555	Its a shame that more breeders in the minis dont geld. We have no problem gelding here and this is the first year in 7 that we are offerring colts that can be stallions. I am very picky about what I will call stallion material. And although I have 2 that are good enough to be stallions I wouldnt hesitate to geld them. I may geld one and keep it to show next year All of our colts are AMHR futurity nominated and you can win quite a bit of money in futurity classes. __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter

06-06-2008, 09:56 AM
Stormy's Human Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,230	I also have a little mini that I bought as a companion but he just turned 3 and I am going to get him trained to pull a cart soon. He is in with my other two horses and they do play but he is very fast and can make quick turns he has never had a bite mark on him!!! I bought mine at 4 months old so he wasn't gelded yet but I had him gelded at 1 yr. They are so sweet and very, very smart!!! Good luck finding the right one for you!

06-06-2008, 10:28 AM
Cariboo Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 347	I was told that if you go to see a mini, that you will buy a mini. It is a law of nature. You will not be able to walk away without buying one. Can't wait to see it!

06-06-2008, 10:31 AM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,299	I am very pleased with my little mini mare. Yes it really is too bad that many folks will not sell a mini as a companion for another horse..indeed it is. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-06-2008, 12:14 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,307	I have no problem selling my minis for companions. of course not a foal or young mini. As for not having geldings. I have had Happen too many times that some will say"Oh I would buy him if he were a stallion. So now I do not geld unless absolutley necessary. Some folks just want the fun of having a couple of mares and babies of their own an than geld. Just go look with a open mind and check out all that are available, from Individual persons selling to breeders. I have purchased some beauties from indviduals getting out of the mini business. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-06-2008, 12:33 PM
soft rider Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: IL Posts: 657	I saw a mini at an auction a couple of years back, and i wasnt able to take on another horse at that time, and i am still kicking myself. I absolutely fell in love with this little guy, I still get a smile on my face every time i think about him, he was soooo cute. I even tried to track down that horse after the fact, lol. Just goes to show you how they can capture your heart.

06-06-2008, 12:41 PM
nadia Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,045	Yahoo! I am going here-> http://www.nakarminiatures.com/index.htm tomorrow afternoon. Karin lives just a few miles from me and have always seen her minis in her yard since I was a little girl. She has so many beauties, it is going to be hard to choose. I will bring my camera and give y'all a full report tomorrow night. __________________ ~Nadia~ ~The secret to having it all is believing you already do.~

06-06-2008, 01:54 PM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 555	Karin is a very reputable breeder! You will have a great time there. Cant wait to see what you get! Kay __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter

06-08-2008, 06:51 AM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,307	Nadia any news on the buying trip? If it was not sucessful just keep looking. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-08-2008, 08:15 AM
blueberry Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: great lakes area Posts: 763	Okay--I checked out her website-----what a bunch of beauties!!! If you took your check book, I don't know how you made it home without one of them __________________ Proud horse mom to: Genie the beauty queenie (3yo QH) Tess the best (5yo QH) "To err is human, to forgive is equine"

06-08-2008, 10:06 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,807	Seeing how I need to concentrate on building a barn for the minis I have I've been a good girl and haven't been looking, til today. The name of this filly caught my eye. And to think she's not to far from home. I even thought of emailing for a pic that is until my eyes glanced over and I read her price tag. http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad203112 __________________ God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change what I can And the wisdom to know the difference.

06-08-2008, 12:40 PM
nadia Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,045	Well, yesterday I went to Karin's and fell in love with all of her babies. They were the sweetest little creatures. It started raing so I was only able to see weanlings yesterday and was supposed to go back today but... I also went to see a 5 year old little sorrel shetland early this morning that rides and drives and bought him! His name is Teddy and is 41" tall and very kid broke so I won't have to do any training, YAY! LOL I actually drove him this morning with his cart for the first time ever and that was a BLAST! He is going to work out well for us right now because I wanted something I could ride Noah (who is in a wheelchair) in the cart and Brady (my 4 year old) will be able to ride lead line. Here is a quick sneak peek of a pic the seller sent me yesterday- I will have more tonight after he is delivered. __________________ ~Nadia~ ~The secret to having it all is believing you already do.~

06-08-2008, 01:07 PM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,807	I think you'll be very happy with your purchase. My woody is a 40" mini that is trained to ride and drive. Can't wait to see pics of him in harness and on lead line. __________________ God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change what I can And the wisdom to know the difference.

06-08-2008, 06:04 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,307	Sounds like a good match and everyone will enjoy him. Perfect size and a good looking boy. Have fun, Farmergal I almost chocked on my coffee looking at that one I have a full sister to a two time national champion and not asking near that much, __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-08-2008, 08:12 PM
nadia Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,045	I will be posting this on meet the horses too so excuse the cross post but here is Teddy and me today when he arrived. He is gaited and they desribed him as a shetland but he is not a shetland and he won't win any beauty contests, but we are thrilled to death with him. __________________ ~Nadia~ ~The secret to having it all is believing you already do.~

06-08-2008, 10:01 PM
blueberry Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: great lakes area Posts: 763	No need to apologize for making sure we all get to see Teddy. He sounds like a little charmer and you look so happy!!!! CONGRATS __________________ Proud horse mom to: Genie the beauty queenie (3yo QH) Tess the best (5yo QH) "To err is human, to forgive is equine"