Thinking about getting horses, need advice?

[Folly's place]

For @thinkyesi ; Colic means abdominal pain, for any reason. It can just be a mild 'tummy ache', or a sign of a disaster causing death.
And, if there's a way to get injured, your horse will seek it out!
Mary

 

[Durelle]

@Durelle - You made a good point. Colic is crazy to deal with. I remember having to get ours up and walking around until the vet could make it. But we lost my gelding to colic years back.

I'm so sorry. I had one go down 6 times before we finally had to put him down. I slept with him those nights just praying. The next one just never got better and I had to make the decision to put him down. It just traumatized me and I freak whenever I see one of them lying down.

 

[thinkyesi]

So this may be a silly question, but what are minis used for? I love how cute they are but I wouldn't be able to ride them haha
I love just sitting next to a horse just brushing them and watching them. It's so relaxing to me.

 

[thinkyesi]

I'm so sorry, that must've been hard.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@Durelle - Unfortunately he had apparently went down overnight and by the time vet got there that AM he already twisted up and ruptured. But nonetheless the old boy had a long, easy life! I’m sorry you’ve had them lost to colic as well. And I understand about panic seeing them laying- haven’t had horses in awhile but I remember checking on everyone and one would just be resting or having a dust roll and I had to stay and watch to make sure they were okay and not in pain.

 

[Folly's place]

Mini's are pets, and a few have been trained as 'seeing eye' horses too.
Mary

 

[thinkyesi]

I'm familiar with colic. I have goats and pigs. So I'm familiar with the upset tummy issues. But I have heard that it is worse and more expensive for horses.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@thinkyesi - No question is a silly question when you genuinely want to learn and improve your knowledge!

 

[thinkyesi]

Do you think a mini would be a good start up into horse ownership? Since they are not as big and "dangerous" (which I know every animal can be dangerous in their own way)

 

[Folly's place]

EVERYTHING is more expensive with horses! Just think of the size difference, at least.
Mary