Okay, so I was recently reading about horse slaughter...horrible horrible thing. And decided I would like to save a horsey. Talked to my parents and they have decided we can't get another full size (we have 3) but if I can find one cheap enough, they would be willing to let me get a mini. Cheap meaning like less than $200. Don't care if it is trained or not, want it to be relatively young, would prefer good looking, no huge pot belly, but when you want one that cheap you can't be picky, right? Does anyone know where to get one? I live in Utah, so we don't have mini horse auctions around where I live so auctions are probably not a option.
So you want to rescue a horse but you don't want to pay a lot and you want a specific type. You also don't want to go to an auction where horses that are going to slaughter are going to go, but you want to save a horse. If you buy a horse its not rescuing it you are just buying it. If you buy a horse from auction you did not rescue it, you just bought a horse from auction.
Mini's run through auction just like regular horses. I would start there. I would also seriously consider why you want a mini. A mini can actually be as dangerous or more dangerous than a standard horse. A mini is the right height to take out your knee. They are also often spoiled because people think they are a dog or a human in a horse suit. I have seen far more mini's rear, strike and flip themselves over basic medical procedures (i.e. vaccines) than regular horse. A mini is still a horse and they cost the same to treat medically. They are more prone to certain conditions (founder) because they are basically air ferns who are over fed. A lot of them do well on dry lot. I would look into your facilities and what you want out of a horse before you select a mini.
There are plenty of un-wanted minis out there because non horse people buy them thinking they are low maintenance pets for their kids and they find out that they are nothing like a dog, learn bad/dangerous habits quickly and can be quite expensive to keep. Usually some child gets kicked in the head before they figure it all out!
You will find them at auctions but the kill buyers go for large horses and pay a 'price per pound'. Beat that price and you can have just about any horse there. They aren't interested in minis-not enough meat. I'm glad you want to save a horse from slaughter but there are plenty of minis out there who need help too.
Put some free ads in Craiglists for several weeks stating your desire to adopt a mini and letting people know that you already have horses. Put a note up at your local feed store and ask your farrier and vet if they know of any. Contact rescues close enough to you and let them know you are interested.
Several horse friends of mine have found neglected, underfed minis in people's backyards and have purchased them from the owners. You just need to let people know and keep your eye open.
Good luck and please treat your mini like a horse. You can retrain them somewhat to at least have decent manners as any horse should have.
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