How to Train a Miniature Horse to the Harness

Just like full-size horses, miniature horses can be trained to harness so that they might pull a cart. Miniature horses may be small, but they are surprisingly strong. Cart pulling can be done for fun, show or practical purposes. Each training step builds on the previous step until the miniature horse is comfortable in a harness and ready to pull a cart. Patience and persistence will result in a well-trained horse. Rushing the training may jeopardize the results.

Things You'll Need

  • A safe enclosure with room to move, such as a round pen
  • A halter that fits the miniature horse
  • A soft cotton lead rope
  • A driving bridle that fits the miniature horse
  • A surcingle (a wide strap that runs over the back and under the belly of a horse) that fits the miniature horse
  • Driving reins
  • A driving harness that fits the miniature horse
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the miniature horse in a safe enclosure for training, such as a round pen. The area should be free of distractions, including other horses or animals.

    • 2

      Put a well-fitting halter on the miniature horse. Hook a soft cotton lead rope to the halter. Lead the miniature horse around the enclosure. Practice turning and stopping while leading the horse. Stop frequently when leading and say "whoa" each time you stop. Continue practicing walking and stopping until the miniature horse stops each time you say "whoa" and turns nicely.

    • 3

      Remove the halter from the horse. Replace the halter with a well-fitting driving bridle. Clip the lead rope to the bridle. Stand still with the miniature horse and allow it to become accustomed to the bit. Do not move onto the next step until the miniature horse accepts the bit and stands quietly.

    • 4

      Ask an assistant to hold the lead rope that is clipped onto the bridle. Put a surcingle that fits the miniature horse well on it. Attach a driving rein to one side of the bit. Put the end through the loop in the surcingle. Repeat with the opposite rein on the other side of the bit and surcingle.

    • 5

      Stand behind the miniature horse, out of kicking range. Take a rein in each hand. Hold the reins loosely, but tight enough to feel the bit in the miniature horse's mouth.

    • 6

      Ask the assistant to lead the miniature horse around the enclosure. When the assistant turns the horse, apply light pressure with the turning side rein. Repeat this process until the miniature horse calmly turns when asked. Practice on both sides.

    • 7

      Practice stopping your horse. Ask the assistant to lead the miniature horse forward in a straight line. Tell the assistant to stop. When the assistant stops, pull back lightly with the reins and say "whoa." Repeat until the horse smoothly stops each time you apply pressure.

    • 8

      Ask the assistant to remove the lead rope and walk out of the enclosure. Make the miniature horse move forward by clicking at it and tapping its rump with the reins. After the horse moves several steps forward, make the horse stop by applying light backward pressure and saying "whoa." Repeat the forward and stopping process until the miniature horse willingly moves forward and stops when you ask.

    • 9

      Practice turning the horse by applying light pressure with the turning side rein. If the horse slows down or stops make a clicking sound and encourage it to move forward. Continue practice turns until the miniature horse turns smoothly and willingly each time.

    • 10

      Put a well-fitting harness on the miniature horse. Repeat steps 8 and 9 with the horse in harness. Continue practicing until the horse is comfortable with stopping and turning in the harness.