Donkey or Mini Horse

[NYboy]

As a child I wanted a pony badly. My parents just didn't have the money. Even riding lessons where to much. Now I am at a point in my life I can afford a expensive pet. I do not wish to ride at this point. I have a small barn, and fenced pasture. what would be better to get my feet wet, A mini horse or donkey?

 

[patandchickens]

TWO, rather than just one; and you might consider an older small-but-fullsized horse, rather than a pony/mini/mini-donkey unless you have facilities to keep the animals on a dirt drylot when/if necessary, as those small critters are extra-prone to laminitis and founder when kept on grass. (Of course you *can* often keep them on grass, with care, but should have a readily-available plan B)

I would strongly, strongly, strongly suggest first investing in some riding lessons though, even if you do not wish to RIDE. Horses require much more knowledge to handle safely than (say) a dog or cat. Even if you start out with all the best intentions in the world and a reasonably-well-behaved well-trained animal, it is awfully easy to get yourself into trouble unless you have had some instruction and have someone to turn to (easily) for help when the beginnings of problems start to suggest themselves.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Haviris]

Just personally preference, which do you like better?

 

[chickenzoo]

I say one of each.................... hehe.... but that's just me. I have 4 mini's and one mini jack.... love them all.

 

[SpringChickens]

Whatever you get, you need to get at least two because both horses and donkeys are herd animals and don't do well alone.

Truthfully, the species you want will depend on how much you want to handle them and how much care/attention you will want to give.

Pick mini horses if you want to interact with them a lot, take them on walks, groom them regularly, maybe drive a cart with them.

Pick donkeys if you want a very hardy pasture ornament - donkeys make great guard animals and are very low maintenance, but can be difficult to handle if aren't experienced (mostly very stubborn).

I actually think that I would choose an older horse or a lame horse which you can get for cheap/free. These are often times better trained and easier to handle than mini horses as well as lower maintenance. Where are you located? I might know of some nice mares for free if you are interested.

Good luck with your decision

 

[babyblue]

a small adult horse that’s aged or injured is very often free if all you want is a pasture ornament. also you could find a very well trained horse for free this way just because so many people are looking for homes for their horses. a mini or donkey may not be well trained and in my unfortunate experience size means nothing. if its not broke, mean and crazy it will still get you. no matter how cute and tiny.

 

[Riocotesei]

My first equine was a Donkey. I Love donkeys in general, so you should pick the one you like more.
My miniature horse has a hardcore attitude being a filly, that may be the reason though. I like my donkey more.

 

[chickenzoo]

My mini Jack is a sweet heart, but I don't have any good pics because he always has his nose up the camera lens... hehe

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I had a mini donkey that terrorized my goats & chickens. Now I have 2 mini & 1 dwarf horses. They are so entertaining & fun. They love us, & we love them.

mini-Boo

mini- Fred

dwarf- T-Bone

Here's T-Bone before his shed

 

[Bec]

Quote:
I 1000% agree! I am going through it right now. I have a 2 year old mini that has come down with Laminitis. She was not out on the pasture and only getting a handful of grain a day. Let me tell you, from here on out,it is a LONG road to recovery. It is hard on me to see her in pain just to walk but even harder on her to have to be stalled and away from the herd, not to mention the vet bills to keep her moving forward.
For the rest of her life, she has to have a grazing muzzle OR be kept in a dirt paddock. We are opting for a muzzle because we don't have the room to get a friend to keep her company in the paddock while the rest of the herd is out, but either way it is a LOT of care and dedication. She is allowed NO grain and limited rich hay. For me, that is not easy to do when you are giving everyone else grain and all the hay and green grass they can eat, but you have to limit 1 horse. I got a mini because they are so cute and "low maintenance", but so far she has cost me the most out of ALL of my other horses. Of course I will keep her until her days end many years from now but I will never get another mini. I am aware that full sized horses run into many problems including laminitis and founder, but minis are just more prone to it. I did not do my research BEFORE I got one, like you are doing yours. I wish I had

But then again, for every bad story you hear, there will be 3 good stories...

You may get lucky (like everyone else I see with minis

) and have one that does ok, but keep in mind that not everyone is that lucky and you may run into a problem with laminitis/founder at sometime. I would definitely weigh out your options and if you don't have experience or knowledge with minis, I would go with an older, aged or injured horse. A lot of times people are just looking for a good retirement home for their horses where they will be loved and get lots of attention! I have one of those. He is a retired race horse, thoroughbred, and he is 19. he is here purely for company and does nothing but hang out and be loved. He was given to us for free and we have never had a problem out of him!