i am interested in getting a couple of miniature horses are there any that look like morgans? also, i live on the outskirts of a very beautiful, historical town and thought about giving tours by horse and wagon like you see in st. augustine fla and other historical towns. is the such a thing as a hitch team with miniature horses? if so is there a wagon that is small enough for them to pull and are there harnesses made small enough for them. and how much weight could 2 mini horses pull? if this is not a feasable idea then i will probably focus on a pony to pull a small wagon.

thanks

-- george (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), November 11, 2001

Answers

Hi,

Looks like you have alot of research ahead of you. Little Beginnings miniatures is a good place to start. Yes, Minis can pull carts,, yes,, there are carts or wagons made just for their size. Same with the harness. :O) Just type into your search engine,, Miniature horse,, and alot of information will come up. But with all things,, do lots of research,, go see as many minatures horses you can in person, before you buy. I own two miniature horses, I picked them for their gentle people loving temperaments. Good luck!!

-- Bergere (autumnhaus@aol.com), November 11, 2001.

Hitched minis are popular in shows, on the trail, in parades. For giving rides, the amount of horses you will need in the setting you describe, will depend on the amount of folks you carry. Whatever, you had best learn to drive ONE to start! -G- When driving multiples, it's a whole different ball game!

Most tack shops carry mini tack. I've never had a mini horse, but I did have a mini donkey. He drove alone and also hitched up with my Dexter steer.

You will need not only properly fitted tack, but a properly fitted cart/wagon/carriage. The choices are endless. The cart/wagon you will be training in should be something less expensive that will take the bumps and bruises until you learn.

You might start by checking the laws and regulations to see if you'll be allowed to give rides. Some towns require the equines to wear a 'diaper' so they don't mess the streets. It hangs under the tail. (They don't care about the wetting.)

Then, find someone who will give you driving lessons. You're in for a long process, and you should do it right. The lives of folks will be in your hands.

I would suggest you take someone with experience with you when you go looking for minis to purchase. The most important thing you will need are bomb-proof minis who work well together. If you use a pony, he too, will have to be bomb proof. This means that they can't get upset and run off when things unexpectedly happen ~ and with tourists, they happen! -G-

You will also need good liability insurance. Some towns will tell you just how large that policy should be.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), November 11, 2001.