[tabinmaine]

I am thinking about purchasing a little mini horse for companionship for my gelding... he is a cute little ****** and appears somewhat broke so maybe my 6yr old can ride him around etc.. my main concern is that he is healthy and I don't know alot about mini's. Actually nothing really...other than they founder easily lol
Anyway.. I called the owner about him and asked her about his "popping joint" which apparently is "nothing to worry about" and only happens when he is walking along grazing...not when he is trotting or walking when ridden ???

Does anyone know anything about this ?? He can have a "popping joint" his whole life as far as I am concerned and for what I want to do with him however I don't want a HUGE medical bill in the future either.... I will try to post his ad below...

Elvis is a 10 yr old, mini gelded pony, he stands at 32inches high, he loves kids and would be perfect for sm. kids to ride, he still needs a little more work but he is a fast learner and is really getting the hang of things. He is good w/his feet, vet, baths, and trailering. He ground ties and will stand tied to just about anything. He does a popping joint, we talked to the vet he he told us that it wasnt anything, it realy only does it wen he walks but the more work he has the less it seems to pop. $300 OBO Contact for more info or more pics.
PicturesPicture 1(16 kb)

[tabinmaine]

Anyone ???

[endurgirl]

First off, Miniature Horses aren't designed to be ridden by anyone.

Secondly, the popping joint may well be nothing. Usually it is a tendon rubbing over the bone making the sound of popping. I'd go check him out if you are interested and watch him move out at a trot and doing some circles.

[k_adams30]

it could be nothing, but you never know. I don't have an answer for ya on that. But just make sure you think your horse would be a good match for him if you decide to go look at him... because I have a miniature who can be a bit high-strung sometimes & it drives my step dad's horse CRAZY! while on the other hand, my 16 month old is completely fine by his sass. Just make sure he's a good fit. Also, he would be way too small for a 6 year old to ride. My mini is 34 inches & I couldn't think of anyone bigger than a 3 yr old on him. Just an opinion though. He could be fun for you to try driving with though!

[tabinmaine]

humm..I didn't know they were not supposed to be ridden ?? Maybe I should be looking for a small shetland pony instead... or something around 10-12 hands instead.... thanks for your input everyone ! You learn something everyday !!

[k_adams30]

Originally Posted by tabinmaine

humm..I didn't know they were not supposed to be ridden ?? Maybe I should be looking for a small shetland pony instead... or something around 10-12 hands instead.... thanks for your input everyone ! You learn something everyday !!

I really would suggest a pony instead of a miniature if you would like your 6 year old to ride. Really, if you saw this mini in person, you would more than likely be like "oh snap..too small to ride for sure!" Like i said, mine's 34 inches tall & i really couldn't imagine more than a 3 yr old on him & that might be pushing it. Mini's are better for driving. that's just my opinion though.

[horsesR4life]

yes i would look into a shetland or other thicker boned ponies, they have more bone and generally less complications than mini's IF you were to ride one. Minis are great little driving ponies.

As for popping, can you isolate where the popping sound is? A tendon rubbing on bone is very bad IMO, thats why there are tendon sheaths so it can glide over boney structures.

If the popping is in the hock, when hes just standing there and then flexes it and it gives a pop and he just goes on his merry way, then its just a click in the joint, nothing bad. If it is accompanied by stiffness, limping, swelling, then there is something to look for that may be a problem in the future. Clicks can be heard in the fetlock, pastern and spine, its just air popping out.