Buyer Beware
So you've decided to buy a Miniature Horse. It might be your first, or maybe you're adding to your herd. You've done lots of shopping, and finally found the horse of your dreams, with the conformation, training, bloodlines and colour that you've always wanted. But if you haven't done your homework, your dream come true could turn into a nightmare.
Registration
If there is any chance that you want to show, or if you want to be able to sell foals you produce to the show ring market, it is important to check that the horse you're looking at has the correct paperwork. Here in Western Canada, most of the shows are sanctioned by the AMHA, with several sanctioned by the AMHR. Unless your horse is registered with one or both of THESE registries, you will not be able to participate. There are a few other registries that will print papers for Miniature Horses, but they won't do you any good if you want to enter a show. Also, ensure all paperwork is up to date or you might be looking at numerous extra fees. If the horse you're buying is a mature horse, check to see that they have their permanent papers, not just the temporary ones that expire at age 3.
Bite
Not only can an off bite be a concern for the long term health of your horse (and possible ongoing expenses for dental care) but any bite that is over or under by more than half the width of the tooth will judged unacceptable in the show ring for any breeding animal (ie - mares and stallions). If you are unable to see the horse in person, ask for a photo of the horse's bite.
![]()
Testicles
Make sure there are two. If you are buying a stallion prospect and he has a retained testicle he will be unable to show as a senior stallion, he should not be bred as cryptorchidism can be genetic, and he can be at risk for health concerns if the testicle isn't removed. If you're looking at a future gelding, surgery to remove the retained testicle can be very pricey and you'll need to consider that cost. I once inquired about a colt and among the photos the seller sent was one of the parts in question - that might be a little extreme, but if you're buying online you definitely want to confirm with the seller that both testicles are properly descended.
Height
Miniature Horses are a height breed; measure before you buy. If it's a young horse, ask about height guarantees, and the height of their sire and dam. While it can be very difficult to predict how much a horse might end up growing, at least you can be sure that they aren't already too tall for their registration papers at the time of purchase. Information on the height requirements can be found in the rulebooks of both registries.
Soundness
This is where a prepurchase examination by a veterinarian can be a good idea. Especially if you are purchasing a performance horse, you want to be sure that they are physically capable of doing the job that you are going to ask them to do. A basic prepurchase exam includes a full lameness evaluation and examination of all the horses systems for any health concerns. While a prepurchase exam costs around $300, it may be worth the expense, particularly if the horse in question is a significant investment. If you aren't looking at having a prepurchase exam performed, be sure to watch the horse trot to see that he moves without lameness.
Health
If you're going to see a horse in person, you'll be able to see if the horse is in poor body condition, or has a snotty nose and a cough. If you're buying online, however, it is a good idea to ask for current photos. I've heard many stories of people who bought a horse based on fancy show photos and then the hauler delivered a sickly rack of bones. As well, if all you've seen are fancy show photos, they might have been taken as a yearling, and as a six year old, the horse isn't what you were looking for at all. As a biosecurity precaution, all new horses - particularly those from auctions or unfamiliar farms - should be quarantined for at least two weeks before they join your herd.
While there is no way to guarantee that you won't have any problems with your new horse, following these simple steps can help to make sure that you know exactly what you're getting.
Happy horse shopping!
HOME