Although some hobby farm may be impressively prominent , many are belittled with only a few acre . Space is at a agiotage if we want to grow vegetable and a few yield trees , keep a few chicken and perhaps some rabbits for egg and meat , and have seat to store our feed , cock and equipment . Having a few bee urticaria or a dairy goat to add to food for thought self - enough may also be on the bucketful leaning , so every straight yard on a small farm counts .
This is one of the many intellect why a miniature gymnastic horse is an fantabulous animal for the hobby farm . They take up considerably less quad — up to three miniature horse can dwell comfortably on 1 Akko — and they ’re less costly to feed a full - sized horse .
Why Get A Mini Horse
Miniature horses are an splendid choice for the owner who loveshorsesbut does n’t have much experience with them . Although a miniature horse is a horse and exhibits all the same behaviour — including kicking and biting , if the situation develop — it is on a much smaller , thus good , scale . For those who are nervous or new to equines , a mini is a swell place to startle . They ’re also ideal for those who have perhaps pass many class care for horses but are no longer capable to manage a full - sized horse . And of class , a miniature horse is idealistic for someone who is light on distance .
Care And Expense Of Miniature Horses
Miniature Equus caballus are less expensive to keep than their large relation because they eat much less . For example , on our farm where we have three minis , I only have to buy a bag of miniature buck provender once a calendar month . In accession , they feed much less hay .
However , there are some areas of aid where the expense of keeping a miniature sawhorse will be about the same as their full - sized counterparts :
The price of the miniskirt itself is ordinarily considerably less than a full - sized horse , but that will bet for the most part on your surface area and the horse you purchase . As can be have a bun in the oven , a pedigreed show horse from a desirable line will contain a much high damage tatter , while a grade horse could be purchased for a span hundred dollars . We purchased my two grade maria at 6 months old for $ 300 . It s important , however , to get a good , healthy horse with good form . A horse with short breeding may be cheap to land home , but it will be expensive to treat later on .
A Mini’s Place On Your Farm
It ’s truthful that a miniature horse is not go to plow a airfield or carry a passenger on a track . It ’s wise to moot how it will give back to your homestead before bringing it to your small land area , but rest assured , there ’s plenty of ways a mini can lead to your farm . Here are a few ideas .
Driving
Miniature horses can be trained to drive . Although most mini can only carry about 50 pounds on their backs , they can pull three to five times their weight , depending on the horse ’s condition . You could ride around your homestead in style with your miniature steed pulling a low go-cart , or get the horse help you convey some provision stacks .
Companion Animals
Miniature gymnastic horse are singular companion and can be taught many tricks . Grab a few Christmas tree diagram stands and some PVC pipe to create small startle for your miniskirt . What a wonderful opportunity to get in some exercise as you trot with your little horse up to the jumps . We often take our horses for walks down to the garden , and our horse Tucker is quite good at adopt at my side . I have found I get much more exercise since we buy the miniature Equus caballus because it is unimaginable to stay by from them .
Fertilizer Source
A miniskirt can render skilful fertiliser from themanure . We clean out the stall each sidereal day and compost the manure and have a go at it for the vegetable and spiciness garden . Horse manure is high in fiber , though not as nutrient ample as chicken manure . Let the manure compost to diminish the luck of weed germ .
Lawn Mower
While it can be hard to get a nice even cut on the lawn , a miniature horse will ferment to keep the grass shorter .
Teaching Horse
Owning a toy is an excellent means to instruct small children about horse care . Most miniskirt revel being groom .
Therapy Animal
A popular inverted comma states , “ There is something about the exterior of a cavalry that is good for the inside of a man . ” This is just as rightful for miniskirt as their full - sized counterpart . In fact , mini are often used as therapy animate being or even service animals for the blind due to their intelligence .
There is no greater welfare to have a miniature Equus caballus than the felicity they land . Mini partizan jest the little buck are like potato micro chip : you may not have just one . Each horse has a unlike personality . In our barn , Ivy is the curious klutz who is always getting into trouble . Holly is the little diva who loves to invite pets and hugs — she will follow us around the lea , pray for attention . Tucker is the solemn , small professional man , who all but salutes us when we put on his hangman’s halter . It is such a joy to get to know your own sawhorse and find out them become a part of the menage . The advantage of the mini is it is all the fun of a tumid sawhorse , in a humble enough space to be perfect for any farm or homestead .
Traci Wilmoth
Bob McInnes/Flickr
Allen Sheffiend/Flickr
Caitlin Hunter/Flickr
