The Profitability of Miniature Horses
The profitability, both material and financial, of any horse operation
should be examined in detail from all aspects prior to start up.
(Please see note below)
| Factors of Consideration | Miniature Horse | Full-Sized Horse |
| Purchase Cost | $1,000 to $200,000 Determined by size, conformation, bloodline and show record, The smaller and more correctly conformed, the greater the value. |
$500 to Millions Determined by breed, conformation, genealogy, show record, etc. |
| Feed Cost | Approximately $25 per month/horse (includes feed and hay) |
$50 to $150 per month/horse (depending upon use and purpose) |
| Professional Stable Cost | $50 to $150 per month/horse Miniature horses can be kept in backyards with a mini barn or shelter, depending upon local zoning laws. | $200 to $550 per month/horse Depends upon facilities, pasture and riding opportunities. |
| Training Costs Halter-in-Hand |
$300 and up per month/horse Family involvement is encouraged- even small children can help train a miniature horse |
$??? to $??? per month/horse Depends upon the reputation of the trainer, stable and breed. |
| Pasture Size (with supplemental hay and feed) |
3 Miniature Horses per acre one can easily be kept
in the average residential backyard, depending upon local zoning laws. |
Minimum 3-5 acres per horse |
| Tack-Hatters Work Show |
$4 to $8 each $25 to $150 or more |
$12 to $1 8 each $75 to 500 each |
| Harness Work Pleasure Driving |
$200 to $400 $750 to $1,400 |
$350 to $4,000 $1,500 and up |
| Blankets Sheets Saddles Carts |
$25 to $65 $20 to $45 Not normally used on miniature horses $375 to $1,500 |
$85 to $200 $40 to $65 $250 and up $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Farrier Cost Trimming |
$10 to $18 per horse Some owners trim and rasp their own horses hooves due to the decreased hazards associated with a smaller animal. |
$15 to $25 per horse Some experienced and very knowledgeable owners do their own trimming. |
| Shoeing | Usually not done on Miniature Horses Except for corrections or driving on hard surfaces. | $50 to $200 |
| Suitability to Ride | Children up to 70 pounds may ride depending upon age, height and body type of horse. | Children any size and adults can ride.
Hazards are greatly increased due to the animal's size, and the degree of training or experience of the rider, |
| Suitability to Drive | Children 3-4 years and up routinely drive at home, parades and in shows. Adults-a miniature horse can easily pull up to1-2 adults in a cart in ail gaits, minimal experience is needed | Children-questionable. Adults--Dependent upon experience. |
| Health Resistance to Disease Hardiness |
Excellent---based on good care. Treated with same medications as large horses--just much smaller doses. |
Excellent---based on good care. Dosages of medications double or triple the size given to a miniature. |
| Life Span | 20-30 years | 20-30 years |
| Veterinary Care Vaccinations Medications & Worming |
Same as for larger horses. Determined by weight of horse-greatly reduced dosage due to smaller size. |
Same as for miniatures. Determined by weight of horse- 4 to 5 times the cost of miniature due to larger size. |
| Suitability for Handicapped | Greatly adaptable to handicapped
individuals due to to smaller size and affectionate nature. |
Difficult for handicapped individuals
to handle due to larger size. |
Please Note:Information on this chart has been gathered from a variety of sources and is not intended to represent specific and actual costs. Prior to the start up of any horse operation, material and finiancial profitibility should be examinied in detail. For any medical advice and information about your horses, please consult your veterinarian,. This chart is intended as a guide only, and the AMHA , employees of the AMHA nor the AMHA webmaster are in any way liable or responsible for any information contained herein.Return to Table of Contents- Tools To Market Your Miniature Horse
This AMHA Profitability Chart is also Available in pdf files (Prof1.pdf an Prof2.pdf)
American Miniature Horse Association
5601 S. Interstate 35 W
Alvarado, Texas 76009
(817)783-5600e-mail information@amha.org
website: www.amha.com