How to Train a Mini Horse in Leading

Miniature horses are not ponies, but rather scaled-down versions of regular-sized horses. These little horses make excellent companions for people and excel in training. They make outstanding halter horses and can be trained in jumping and carriage driving. Mini horses are easy to care for, and because of their smaller size are easier to transport than bigger horses. Like their larger counterparts, mini horses are very intelligent, but training them requires a lot of patience on the part of the trainer.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a halter on your mini horse and make sure it fits the horse comfortably comfortably. Have your horse wear the halter while in its stall so that the animal gets accustomed to the fit and feel of the halter.

    • 2

      Attach a lead to the halter to begin teaching your mini horse to be comfortable on a lead. Hold the lead loosely in your hand and take a few steps at a time. Don't force your mini horse to do anything. With patience and determination, your mini horse will begin to follow you while on the lead. Start this training soon after you get your horse.

    • 3

      Conceal a treat in one hand and hold the loose lead in the other to teach your mini horse to stretch its neck forward. At this point during the training, stand in front of your mini horse. As you are holding the lead, reveal the treat in your other hand. When your mini horse takes a step forward with its weight over the lead leg, say "Stop" and give it the treat. Continue taking small steps forward, giving the horse a treat and praising the animal with each step taken forward.

    • 4

      Use a calm voice and careful movements as you teach your mini horse to walk on the lead. Repeat the lead training often because the mini horse learns by repetition. When the mini horse is comfortable with the halter and the lead, you can tug on the lead slightly. The mini horse will soon associate the tug of the lead with moving forward.

    • 5

      Continue the lead training by standing beside your mini horse with the loose lead in one hand and a treat in the other hand. Allow the animal to see the treat. Tug on the lead slightly and as your mini horse moves forward, give it the treat and some praise. Carry on with this training until the horse responds to a tug on the lead with no treat in sight. With each accomplished step, remember to give the horse a treat and praise the animal's progress.