Can I Keep A Minature Pony With No Real Barn?

Question

I have a big backyard and a little woodsy area. I know a miniature pony would probably love it. I also have a creek I could take the pony down to if they wanted to go for a swim. My mom won't let me have one, but could it be possible? We could put up a fence. I have a big shed the pony could use for a stable. I want to make my Mom say yes, but first I need to know if it's legal and possible.

Answer 1

Yes, you could, sounds like plenty of space for a mini.  Remember that keeping horses (even minis) can get very expensive, with farrier, vet, and feed bills, and you can't keep just one, because it will get lonely without a pasture mate.  

Answer 2

A wooden prefab storage shed is the answer since it is too small for a barn.

Answer 3

Know you do not need a permit, so no worries on that. If you were building another barn, then yes you would. But if you use the shed, then no nothing needed.

Yes the pony will be just fine with it. My three (ones mine, other two are my uncles) are in the same boat. They have a nice wooded area that they go down and cool of in, or during the winter, warm up. They have a pond, and a river, choose to swim in niether lol.

As long as your furture pony has fresh grass in there, and water, and a proper fence, i see why you can not have one. Oh and along with shade. But u said theres woods, so i bet there is shade lol.

If you do want to convert the shed into a barn, then that would be just fine.

Unlike what most people think, they will be fine in a small encloser. Horses dont need some big barn, with there own stall. People down the road from me have a mini pony with a small shed like thing. Plus horses enjoy coming in and out as they please.

Good luck, i really hope your mom gets you one. They are amazing!

Answer 4

There are no such thing as miniature ponies, there are miniature horses, ponies, horses, and draft horses.

First, see if you're zoned for it, probably not if you're in a city.  The best way to find out is to call your county's build and zoning people, they can also let you know if you need a permit to keep one and how to get it.

If you are(which I don't think so based on your description, but it's possible) then it would depend on the size of the shed.  If it's at least 10ft X 10ft and at no point should the ceiling or any lights or anything else hanging from the ceiling be less than 7ft 6in from the floor.  The door should be at least 3 feet wide and there should be no glass windows unless protected by bars on both sides.  If the floor is wood, concrete, or cement or has some kind of flooring over it you would need to put mats and maybe bedding in it.

The pony would need to be fenced in so that it can't get to the house.  The fence would need to be made of wood with at least three rails, 'no climb' horse fence wire, or at least least three strands of electric wire or tape.  If you use a wood or wire fence you may want to add a strand of electric wire or tape to the top to extend its life.

You would also need to take into account the cost of feeding.  Unless you have a huge yard(at least 2 acres) you will need to buy hay and possiblely feed.  Most yards do not provide enough grass for a pony to survive on.

You also have to remember that if you did have a pony in your yard, the grass would no longer be pretty.  It would be unevenly cut and torn up and toys would no be able to be left in that area.

Manure, which someone would need to clean up, would need to be hauled off.  Unless you could get enough people to take it for free, you will probably need to pay for that.

Overall you are probably better off boarding somewhere if you do get one.  But maybe start off with some riding lessons.

Answer 5

If your area is agriculurally zoned then yes you could. Most suburban neighborhoods don't allow farm animals (horses, chickens, goats etc) to be kept as pets, however some do. You would have to find out if your area is zoned for it.

Remember, you have to set up the shed properly for a horse and you'd still have to buy grain, farrier, vet, etc so even if a miniature horse is cheaper to keep it's not free.

Good luck!  

Answer 6

Animals need proper shelter and I believe you have to have the right permits to keep a pony/horse. Plus, it can get quite expensive.  

Answer 7

Before you go thru all the trouble of fencing, sheltering and buying an animal, make sure that you are allowed to have one on your property.  Most residential zoned property does not allow farm animals to be kept on them.

You must provide the proper shelter for any animal, with proper flooring, cover and ventilation.  Putting it in a shed is not much better than getting a dog and chaining it to a tree.