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) is very laid back, loves attention, performs tricks, does visits, drives, and accepts treats very politely. He was imprinted at birth and absolutely trusts everyone he meets. A real people pleaser.
One (Bucky) was very well trained and shown in halter and pleasure driving before he came to me. Also imprinted, played with children, shown by professionals. A been there, done that sort of gelding. Knows it all, and tries to tell me what to do when performing his tricks. Quite a ham! But lovely with any one he meets. Visits Sr. Centers, etc. However, he does try to "Mug" for treats while doing tricks. Not in a mean way, just that gimme more look. Had to come up with a cue that lets him know"No More". I never let anyone else give him treats by hand. Not sure if I am his leader as much as his favorite human, and he wants me to keep feeding him, ... so he is extra good for me.
Now, as for Chester... a wild herd baby that came to me after being weaned at 3 months old. He was getting too aggressive with his momma, the herd, the stallion, even chasing the guard llama. Breeder moved him to the weanling and yearling pasture. (Was a big mini farm.) He whinnied for his momma a couple of times, then proceeded to challenge the lead colt, ran him off, claimed the ten or so little fillies as his own! He quickly gain possession of the feeding area and would cow kick and bit anyone messing with the feed or hay piles. Breeder requested I pick my colt up early. (I had put a deposit on him when he was a week old, cause I thought he was "spunky") Heh-heh.
What works best with him? I had to remember to use horse body language with him. I read herd psychology books and the things I learn really help. He was awful leading, so I tried to make him circle away from me. He went too fast, so I put a pair of light saddle bags on him. Yes, at 4 months, he was use to saddle bags, not much different than being blanketed. I discovered that he likes having a job to do! I began redirecting his unwanted behaviors into human acceptable ones. He learned my body language while I learned his.
Staying his leader has been fun, if challenging. Had to teach him to go stand in the corner while I put his feed bucket down because he tried to kick me. He then tried to bite me so he also had to make a big circle in the corner, then back up to his bucket. Still does this after several years! Turns around when I say "good job". He loved to bite at my leg if I scratched his neck or chest ( he was just trying to scratch me back) so now he has to back up and I scratch his tail for a reward. Leading him was easy, trying not to let him lead me... I decided to train him to long-line early. Trick training goes in spurts because sometimes he gets very push for rewards. He is now 4 yrs. old, drives single, double, is saddle lead-line broke, pretty good with in hand obstacles, and almost ready to go visiting with the other 2 minis for children story time at the public library. Almost.
My goal this year...I plan to take him to the ECMHC Summer Classic in June in Williamston, NC to get him used to the sounds and chaos. I figure it will be best to have horse smart folks around him at first. If you happen to be there, look for a stall sign that says, "Beware, Chester, A Mini With Attitude". I'll be looking for strangers to handle him. Remind me to let you sign my release form first!