Instructions
Attach a lead rope to the horse's halter and apply pressure. The horse must learn to give to that pressure. When the miniature horse takes a step forward, release the pressure. This rewards the animal for obeying. Next apply the pressure until the horse takes two steps and release. Repeat this process until the animal will follow any time pressure is applied to the lead rope.
Teach the miniature to stop on command. Stopping on command is as important as leading. Pull gently back on the lead rope to stop the horse from moving forward. When the horse stops, release the pressure. This exercise should be practiced at varying speeds to ensure that the miniature is always under control. Like full-size horses, a miniature can become spooked or scared and maintaining control over a scared animal is imperative to everyone's safety.
Work on a variety of commands. After the horse can safely be led around and stopped on cue, other commands can be taught. If the horse is to be shown in a horse show, the horse can be taught to stand square (feet lined up) and to stand still. This is what the judge will be looking for as the horse is evaluated for confirmation (structure). The horse needs to back up on cue. This is accomplished by pulling the lead rope back towards the horse. When the horse takes a step back, relieve the pressure. Repeat these steps until the horse backs on cue for several steps when the lead pressure is applied.
Practice driving. Miniature horses are used for driving or pulling carts. Initially, the horse must be taught to hold a bit in its mouth. Start by asking the animal to open its mouth by applying pressure at the corners of the mouth. When the mouth opens, slide the bit inside and adjust the bridle to fit comfortably around the head. Teach the horse to give to the left and right by pulling on the reins attached to the bit. Accustom the animal to a surcingle (wide strap around the belly), which long reins can be run through. Follow behind the horse with long reins run through the surcingle reinforcing a stop, back, left and right turn with voice and rein commands. Once this is perfected, add some weight, like a log, for the pony to pull. This is sometimes referred to as logging. It will acclimate the animal to the pressure of pulling something before actually hooking them up to a cart. When this exercise is safely perfected, introduce the miniature to the cart. In a safe enclosure, attach harness and repeat the steps practiced on the ground from the cart.
Train at the animal's pace. Allow the miniature horse to learn at its own speed. Some horses mature faster than others. Some learn faster than others. In addition, only give the horse what it can handle. Some animals can take hours of training a day while others may only be able to handle and process a few minutes at a time. With patience and consistency, training a miniature horse can be very rewarding.
How to Train Miniature Ponies
Miniature horses or ponies are smaller versions of full-sized horses. To be considered a miniature, an animal must be no taller than 34 inches. In 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association was created to preserve the breed. Although smaller in stature, these animals are still horses and should be treated with the same caution and respect. Miniature horses are very intelligent, eager to please and have a remarkable memory. With a life span of up to 50 years, many miniatures are being used as service animals for the disabled. As with all animals, basic obedience must be instilled.