Minis are generally nice to handle, but that doesn't mean there aren't some stinkers out there. For your first minis, spend the money to purchase from a reputable breeder who has put time and thought and training into the horses (a lot of mini breeders don't). You want one bred for a calm, trainable temperament who has been well-handled and trained, not a wild yearling off of Craigslist that's only been handled by people without a clue. They are HORSES even if they are small, and they need to be handled like horses, not dogs. You don't want one that has been a lap pet, and you don't want one that's been manhandled. Especially with kids, spend the money and get a good one. Make sure it's well-bred and isn't a dwarf-- those come with all sorts of health issues you won't want to deal with. Basic safety and handling is the same for all horses, no matter what size. At the very least, your first minis should be broke to lead well, stand tied, stand for the vet and farrier, load into a trailer, and to be clipped. Even better if they're trained to drive, as then you know they've had more than basic handling. Look for one that is current on hoof care and vetwork-- many people neglect this with minis. Minis tend to have tooth/mouth issues with teeth crammed into that tiny head, so a horse current on tooth care and without an overbite or underbite is ideal. Do NOT buy a mare in foal if you're new to horses. There is just too much that can go wrong, especially with minis, for you to jump into that pool right now. Look for a couple of quiet geldings or mares who are guaranteed not in foal from reputable breeders. Adults, preferably, but a yearling or weanling may be ok if you're comfortable putting that basic training onto a horse. If all of you are new to horses, get one that already knows what he should know.
Is there somewhere for you and your kids to get horse care/riding lessons? While they won't be riding a mini, the basic handling skills and groundwork are the same, and getting your kids started on that will get all of you off on the right foot. Then you all know what to do if your mini needs some work, even for basic stuff--- what if the mini drags his handler over to a patch of lush grass? Can your kids stop that and train the horse not to do that? Do they know how to safely tie a horse? How to work around one and pick up the feet for care? How to ask the horse to move away from pressure and how to reward when the horse does so by releasing pressure? All of those things can be learned with any size horse, so get a few lessons for all of you before you get your horses. Minis who are handled like HORSES tend to be fine. Those who have been handled like dogs or roughly handled may not be. People tend to think they're little and cute and neglect teaching basic manners to the little ones. That's a mistake whether your horse will grow to be 34" tall or 19 hands tall. They're still a horse and need to be handled and cared for like a horse. Even the most well-mannered mini will quickly become anything but if he realizes his owners don't know what they're doing, just like any horse.
DON'T buy:
- a horse previously foundered. Have your new horses vet-checked/pre-purchase exam with YOUR vet, not the seller's vet.
- a stallion or older horse recently gelded. Minis are popular for breeding/teaser stallions, and that's not what you want for a kids' horse.
- a previous herd sire/breeding stallion unless he's been gelded for at least a year or two, has proven he's now polite turned out with mares/geldings, and he has manners. Not all will.
- a mare in foal, or a mare who's owner won't guarantee she is NOT in foal. Most people who buy mini mares tend to end up with a mare in foal. Just don't. Minis have a higher-than-average rate of foaling issues, so you need to know what's going on, and a vet with small hands who has experience with minis before you go down that road.
- a weanling or yearling that is wild or unhandled. Beware sob stories.
- anything with a pronounced overbite or underbite or missing/crooked teeth
- anything exhibiting signs of dwarfism-- shorter than normal legs or neck, very small size, odd head shape, pronounced underbite, etc. Genetic testing can be done-- most good breeders will test and guarantee their foals. Do some research on dwarfism in miniature horses before you purchase, so you aren't hoodwinked by an unscrupulous seller. Unfortunately, the smaller size of dwarfs led to them being in the breeding population, and some fetch high prices at auction due to that small size from unknowing buyers.
Ideally, you'll find an adult mare or gelding that was a child's 4-H or show horse, and that horse will be well-mannered, well-built, and used to a lot of different situations so you can just go out and have fun. Do in-hand trail and jumping, go to shows, etc. A good breeder or seller should be there to answer your questions and get you started on the path to successful ownership, including how to feed/care for your new horse. Even better if that person is local enough to serve as a mentor the first few months/years, especially if you want to get into showing or driving. A mini toward the upper end of the height limit will be less expensive than one that is smaller, and less likely to have health issues while still being small enough to gain the advantages that led you to minis in the first place. Good luck!