The Difference Between Miniature Horses & Full-Size Horses

The miniature horse has many of the same features as its full-sized brother but is often confused with the pony, the dwarf horse and sometimes even donkeys or mules. There are great differences between miniature and full-size horses, besides their size. They require different attention, have different health issues and can perform different tasks, just to name a few. Two of the largest differences reside in their genetics and their breeding.

  1. Origin and Breeding

    • The origin of the full-size horse is placed firmly on evolution but the miniature horse has been bred by humans exclusively for its size. The Hapsburg royal family in the 17th century were claimed to keep miniature horses, and as breeding techniques became more specific the more popular miniature horses became. The miniature horse has been bred with specific attention to the dwarf gene so all horses in this breed contain elements of dwarfism. The American Miniature Horse was declared a breed in the 1970s.

    Care and Health

    • Full-size and miniature horses need different amounts of care. They have similar nutritional needs, and both need to be exercised regularly, but a miniature horse cannot be ridden and must be walked around for sufficient exercise. Miniature horses are prone to put on extra weight so their diet should be regulated regularly. The miniature horse has been highly in-bred for its size which may present health issues. The average life span of both full size and miniature horses are between 20 and 30 years if well cared for, but the smaller size of the miniature horse makes them prone to live well into their 30s.

    Tasks and Work

    • Because of their size and musculature, the full-size horse can pull large loads as well as carry a rider. The miniature horse, however, is not capable of this power. Miniature horses can, on the other hand, be trained to guide for the disabled and live indoors. The miniature horse is not a pet like a dog though, as it does not crave the same level of affection. Both full-size and miniature horses can be affection but are not domesticated to the same degree as house pets.

    Cost, Size and Other Differences

    • According to the American Miniature Horse Association, miniature horse is more valuable the smaller it is. As of 2007 they can cost between $1,000 to $200,000 compared to the $1,000 to $3,000,000 range of a full size horse. The full size costs about $150 per month to feed, $200 to $600 per month to board, $550 and up for a trainer plus the costs of pricy equipment. The miniature horse however costs $25 per month to feed, $50 to $150 to board if not kept in the backyard, $300 and up for a trainer and significantly less expensive gear. You can keep three times as many miniature horses on the same amount of land as a full-size horse (three horses per acre).