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Mistysmon, I just realized that Paula and I never mentioned a great resource for learning to drive that mini folks do not usually think of. She and I met at a NC Working Mule and Draft event. Va probably also has a working Draft Association. They hold "plow days" where people get together...

Please allow me to comment on my friend, Paula's post. I thought "down and dirty" was putting a harness on a unbroke horse, hooking up to something like a drag, while standing in a dirt field. Saying a prayer, telling the horse to move out by any means to get him going, then trying to hold on...

Paula, Thanks for sharing your pictures. You met my non horsey husband at the ECMHC get together. He has never said this, but I think he wonders why I have taken sooo long training my pair. Just showed him your pictures. Now, he gets it! I work completely alone, not by choice, and because of...

This is how Chester learned his verb al cues. A nice older mini showed him.

Chester and Buck waiting to do driving.

Chester pretending to long line at 6 months.

Misty's Mom, I am not a trainer, nor do I show my driving minis, but I will be glad to share my experience of teaching them myself and how much fun they are to trail drive. First, it is hard to teach something you do not already now how to do. I see from your info that you are a retired...

This is a great idea. Beaufort, NC , on the coast between Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout Lighthouse on a map. Mostly recreational driving. Have 3 driving geldings, 2 EZ carts, and a 4 wheel surrey. Buck is great for beginners. I have some lovely but short trails all around me. Love...

Congratulations Paula!!!

Thanks for catching me up! I have thought about asking Spot if he , or one of his team drivers, would be interested in an all expenses paid day trip to the coast, with an hour or two of lesson time helping me get everything just right for my mini draft pair and surrey. Do you think they will...

Hi Paula, Have you been to any NC plow or drive events lately? I still hope to be able to get to another one sometime. Are they still having drives at Rouses's? I have been doing some single trail driving here at my place. Hope to hitch the mini pair up when the weather is warmer again...

Oh, I agree! My nickname for my place is "Serenity Barn". While I feel happiest there with my horses, I have learned lots from them over the years. Best lesson..... (Sorry if this is too long but it is about being boss mare) I had a 13 hand Welsh X driving pony that came to me with...

Having fun should be what it is all about. Positive communication with my geldings keeps away frustration for all of us. I guess this would be my definition of leadership, equine or human.

Bucky was actually already trained for driving, in hand trail, showmanship, plus doing tricks when we went to the K-9 class. I did not have a dog at the time and needed to be sure he was okay with them if we did "Animal Assisted Activities" with a group of therapy dogs. My friend is the...

Works for me I believe in keeping them busy and learning. Here is a photo of Bucky doing K-9 classes one winter. The instructor loved his "stay" and "recall".

Here goes... Ah... Leadership around the barn. Love this topic. I have 3 minis with 3 very different personalities. The 3 Tricksters. All are geldings, and it does not matter which one of them thinks they are in charge of their little herd, I am always Boss Mare! One of my boys (Lil'Bit)...

I think it may also depend on what you want to do. All I do is slow walks through the neighborhood with my mini surrey and my mini pair. They have very different builds and strides. The sorrel tail one has a high rear and low withers while the flaxen tailed one is level with high withers...

I like them all... For me, it depends on the job they are doing. I do not show but do lots of recreational driving, trick performances, and play with children and Seniors doing in hand trail and hunter stuff. I love all 3 of my geldings. One 30" (unregistered Fallabela blend) who is...

I agree with getting an experienced driving instructor/trainer for yourself and your mini. Although I was experience as a recreational driver with my trained quarter horse 30 years ago, I never had any lessons. This time around, in my late 50's, I found I needed to learn how to communicate...

I have 3 mature mini geldings that all get Purina Equine Adult, coastal hay, and grasses that spring up wild here in Coastal North Carolina. Each mini drives and and runs around a lot, burning calories. I found that their coats and hooves are healthy and beautiful, plus they keep nice top...