training

Hi All, You guys have been such a guiding compass and comfort to me! I'm happy to report that everyone is settling in and happy and well-behaved right now (including my mare who was in heat and adjusting from being back from a trainer, but seems to be more relaxed now). I'm hoping you guys...

I rescued a mini (38" high but the rescue thought he had some pony in him) about a month ago. He wasn't trusting and hated to be approached and have a halter put on him. We've made great strides in accepting the halter. He picks up his feet now without me asking. Basically when he is haltered...

Hi All :) I rescued a 6 month- old (at the time, three months ago) miniature horse from a kill pen and finally found him a buddy who is a stallion, 2020 colt and rescued from a neglect situation but was said to be a pasture buddy to other horses but then those horses got sold. Cooper, my...

Recently I’ve been wanting to get some more miniature horse books. Does anyone have any suggestions for good books? I’m wanting to learn some more tips on training and definitely learn more about driving and all the different forms/styles of driving out there. I’m also looking to start showing...

HI, everyone! Monday: Sugarfoot is home! We had quite a time convincing him to go into the trailer. It took 3 of us to finally get him in the trailer with the help of a spare gate that the previous owner used to hem him up so Sugarfoot had no choice but to finally go in the trailer. He...

Hi Everyone, It has been awhile since I last wrote on here, but I have a few questions. First of all, I am interested in driving minis, but I have no experience with that. I have never even seen a mini and cart in person before... And here are my questions. 1) I think I should start by taking...

Hello all! I recently purchased myself a surcingle. I read up as much as I can on what to do with them and how to use them, but sometimes reading and doing don't always translate for me. I think my favorite use was the sliding side reins. So I tried it out. I want to know if I'm doing it...

I decided to start a journal to keep track of the progress I make with my Miniature, Maybelle. She is 13, registered and was at one time a broodmare. I have had her since May of 2017 and she came to me as a seasoned, been there done that kind of horse. She really helped restore my confidence in...

I've been working hard with my first mini, Cinnamon. I've had her about a month and a half and we've made a lot of progress. She's going to be 3 in May and I would love to train her to drive eventually but don't really know how to get started. What she can do: Yield her forequarters and...

Hello All, I am new to the driving world, and I would like some advice on how to get your horse to really pull the cart with their hind end. What exercises do you perform in order to help make this a habit to the horse? What do you do in the cart vs. out of the cart? Any advice helps.

How would you go about saddle braking a miniature horse? I assume you would have to train them to lunge and ground drive with the saddle on, but how could you get them used to having weight on their back since you can't get into the saddle yourself? How much weight could a 31" miniature carry...

I am trying to train my filly for halter class and we have several problems going on.. Of course we are struggling with standing. But I found a great older article on here about training for halter. One thing I didn't find was how to get her to respect my space. I admit she has been my baby and...

So, as you may know, I have the two yearling mares I have had since October, and I recently (a month ago) bought a three year old gelding. I got the gelding bc I wanted to work a house now, and I knew that I couldn't work the mares yet bc they are still babies. I was also considering showing...

My first little chip is almost cooked and now that foaling seems imminent I realised I need to think a bit further down the track. So opening this thread up to anyone with experience to explain their best methods of how to train our littlies to lead and other basic skills. Some questions I have...

The Mirrored Expectations - Part One - Owners ~ is ready for viewing. The objective of the article was to bring to light the way that both Owners and Trainers view their business and services. Two separate questionaires were distributed... one for Owners and one for Trainers. Part One of this...

I just wanted to post a direct link to the article in AMHA's magazine about preparing your miniature for a farrier. We all know that every horse needs to have their hooves trimmed so I figured that I would post the link because every horse ought to know how to stand with patience for their own...

Hi, I am NEW NEW NEW to this. Well let me back track, I've had horses more than 20 years of my life but have been with out them for over 10 years now. Last week I brought home two weanling colts. I want to do right by them so I want your advice on how much I should be asking from them. One...

I am new to driving. I took a number of lessons for mini horse driving and haven't been able to get back with the trainer for awhile. I bought a mini with help from the trainer. He is a nice horse who doesn't kick or bite. Ten year old gelding who was trained by the previous owner to drive...

Hello, I'm new two mini's but have had horses in the past, but not for 10 years. My new mini's arrived a week and a half ago and and have been settleing in nicely for the most part. The vet thinks they are both around 4 years old. The gelding is a HUGE love and doesn't mind being brushed for...

I lady from Moss Point, MS contacted me this afternoon trying to get some help and information. I answered her with my thoughts, but encouraged her to join the forum here. In the meantime, I am posting these photos for her. She is new to owning horses, and just wanted a couple minis to enjoy...