Advice on Purchasing a Miniature Horse
Unless you are an experienced horse owner it is strongly recommended that you have the examined by a vet of your choice.
This will at least ensure that you purchase a healthy animal. However, this does not guarantee you are buying a good miniature horse.
If you are not sure what makes a good miniature horse, then it is best to seek disinterested advice from someone who does. Try to see as many horses as you can, a Show is a good place to do this, and to meet other owners and breeders. If possible, see both parents, especially when buying a foal. This should give a better indication of your adult horse than its appearance at a few months of age.
Generally you should expect to see a clean, active animal, clear eyed, no runny nose etc. and with no evidence of coat infestation. Its teeth should be level and even, with upper and lower sets meeting without protrusion. Movement should be straight and fluid, feet correctly trimmed.
NEVER BUY A HORSE WITHOUT A PASSPORT, (it is illegal for horses to be sold without a passport) and any parentage should be verifiable in a registration document from a recognised Stud Book. (Since 2016 registration information is included in the passport so you may not have separate documents). Without this you have no proof of the horse’s breeding and it would not be eligible for registration with the BMHS. Information about breeding shown in a passport is not always proven. Always check with the Breed Society.
Measure the horse yourself or get a vet to do so and ensure that it is within the correct height range for its age. Measuring should take place on a flat even surface, with a measuring stick, and the measurement taken from the ground to the withers. If the animal is close to maximum permitted height for its age you could ask for a guarantee of adult height from the seller. For guidance see our Height chart available in 'Downloads' on this website.
The BMHS is willing to offer advice on any purchases made, however, the Society’s advice does not guarantee that a miniature horse purchased will be a certain winner.
