How much does it cost to take care of 2 miniature horses monthly?
I volunteer at a mini horse shelter and Ive become attached to some of them. All of them come from abusive/neglected homes and are adopted out after there in better health. I have a 3 acre backyard with a small creek running through it and a shed that could easily be turned into a shelter. How much would it cost me monthl to take in 2 of them, including feed,worming,farrier,vet and any other supplies.? I want to take in 2 because they are herd animals and happiesr with an equine friend. I also have much experiance with large horses and some experiance with minis.
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I don't have too much experience with mini's, I have worked with them a few times when I worked for a few horse farms, however I have been a horse owner for 8 years and you can probably expect a minimum of 200-300/month for two mini's. There are a few things that can affect the monthly cost of care, from location, feed/hay prices very from state to state, additional "special needs" care they may need, accidents causing injury, illnesses etc. Miniatures are prone to obesity, so they need a careful feeding plan... I would advise talking to the shelter you volunteer for and getting information on how much feed/hay/bedding prices run in your area, average farrier/vet costs for minis and specific care required for minis. I have only owned larger horses, and I have paid around 150-200/month on average per horse... not including farrier and vet, farrier bills run me about 35/trim or 80 for front shoes and trim (one of my horse has hoof/lameness issues and requires front shoes all the time) Vet bill with shots and coggins... around $100+ depending
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Horse owner for 8 years
For you? Nothing because if you have to ask you shouldn't get one let alone two.
Live2ride, that was harsh. If you don't ask you'll never know.
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My assumption is that two mini's would equal roughly the same cost as one horse. Depending on where you live fodder, farrier and vet prices will vary.
Because they'll be kept on your own property my estimate is $150-$300 a month. Find out prices in your area then make some calculations.
Make a set cost at say $250. If you only spend $200 for that month put the other $50 away into emergency funding so you have something to fall back on if the ponies are accident prone.
Also make sure to buy everything in bulk, especially wormer :-)
Grr, does it not annoy you when people assume that because you're asking a question you're not worthy? Surely it's much better to ask and learn than to rescue a miniature and realise you can't afford it?
But, anyway, I'm sure it'd vary greatly. Some miniatures are very good doers and will live fine just wondering around a field with hay a couple of times a day in winter. As you said, these are rescue horses so may have health problems/special requirements that will cost. If I were you, I'd talk to the barn owner (feels weird saying that since I'm English) asking about specific miniatures, their issues, costs, necessities etc. Good luck. :)
