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Our Association > About AMHA > Big vs Small
Comparisons of American Miniature Horses vs Average Full-sized Horses
The information on this chart, "Comparisons of American Miniature Horses vs Average Full-Sized Horses", is gathered from a variety of sources and is not intended to represent specific or actual costs. Prior to the start up of any horse operation, material and financial profitability should be examined in detail.
Factors Considered | American Miniature Horse | Average Full-Sized Horse |
|---|---|---|
Purchase Price | $1,000 to $200,000. Depending on gender, size, conformation, blood-line, show record. The smaller & more correctly conformed, the greater the value. | $1,000 to $3,000,000. Depending on gender, size, conformation, blood-line, and show record. |
Feed Costs | Approximately $25 per month/horse. Includes hay and grain. | Approximately $150 per month/horse. Includes hay and grain. |
Professional Stable Cost | $50 to $150 per month/horse. Miniatures can be kept in backyards with a Mini barn or shelter depending upon local zoning laws. | $200 to $600 per month/horse. Varies according to facilities, pasture availability, riding opportunities. |
Trainer Costs (Halter In Hand) | $300 & Up per month/horse. Family involvement encouraged. Even children can help train a Miniature Horse. | $550 & up per month/horse. Depends upon the reputation and demand of the trainer, stable & breed. |
Pasture Size | 3 Miniature Horses per acre. With supplemental hay & feed | Minimum 1 acre per horse. With supplemental hay & feed |
TACK/HALTERS - Work | $4 to $8 per horse | $12 to $18 per horse |
TACK/HALTERS - Show | $25 to $150 or more per horse | $75 to $500 per horse |
HARNESS - Work | $200 to $400 | $350 to $4,000 |
HARNESS - Pleasure Driving | $750 to $1,400 | $1,500 and up |
Blankets | $25 to $65 | $85 to $200 |
Sheets | $20 to $45 | $40 to $75 |
Saddles | Not normally used on Miniature Horses. | $250 to $5,000 |
Carts | $375 to $1,500 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Farrier Cost - Trimming | $10 to $18 per horse. Some owners do their own trimming due to the ease of handling Miniature Horses. | Trim $30 to $50 per horse. Some very knowledgeable owners do their own trimming. |
Shoeing | No shoes | $50 to $200 per horse |
Suitability to Ride | Children up to 70lbs may ride depending on Miniature's age, height & body type. Riding generally not recommended. | Children & adults can ride. Risk increases due to animal's size, training, rider experience. |
Suitability to Drive | Children 3-4 years & up routinely drive at home, parades and in shows. Miniature Horses can easily pull up to 1-2 adults in a cart in all gaits, minimal experience is needed. | Children - questionable. Adults - dependent upon experience. |
Health & Hardiness | Excellent - with good care. | Excellent - with good care. |
Life Span | 20-30 Years | 20-30 Years |
Vaccinations / Medications & Worming | Same as for larger horses. Determined by horse's weight - greatly reduced dosage for Miniatures. | Same as for Miniature Horses. Determined by horse's weight - 4-5 times the cost of Miniature Horses. |
Suitability for Special Needs Individuals | Greatly adaptable to individuals with Special Needs due to Miniature Horse's smaller size and affectionate nature. | Difficult for some individuals to handle due to larger size. |
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Big vs Small
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