North American Miniature Horse & Pony Interest Society

If you own minis, here is a watering tip for winter.
Keep two extra empty buckets aside. When the buckets outside are frozen, fill the ones you aside and swap them with the two extra buckets. Then you can put the frozen ones in the bathtub to thaw. This eleminates the need to smash ice out of buckets in the frigid cold.

HALTER CLASS TRAINING

Halter Class is one of the most popular classes in Miniature Horse Training. Training your filly won't be easy, in fact, it's hard work. We put together a few tips that may become helpful for you.

First things first. Make sure your filly has learned to walk freely on the lead and can stand square on command. Teach them slowly as young horses can only learn a few steps at a time and it is easier in the long run to work on one thing at a time.

The hardest part on training your horse is getting their neck to stretch and their ears to perk. Treats work very well most of the time for the neck, but sometimes you have to have something else to get ears perked. We discovered that anything a horse isn't very familiar with will do the trick; whether it's two hair scrunchies rubbing together or anything that makes noise.

Teaching your miniature horse to stretch its neck out while staying in position will take time and patience, but it will work! The best way to start is to hold your hand out with some treats so your horse can sniff at it, and all the while they keep their feet in the right position. Give your miniature horse the treats about a third of the time to let them know they did a good job. Otherwise, a horse reaching for that treat that they know they won't get, often will just poke their head forward if you don't teach them what it is that you want from them.

While teaching your miniature horse to stretch its neck, make sure you don't make the mistake of not being able to tell a stiff, "stretched" neck with a horse that is using their whole body to lower their frame. You need to position their weight over the shoulder and hip, then lengthen the neck and relax the poll. That's it! Those are all the attributes of a true stretch that will enhance your horse's confirmation.

Step 1: Urge the horse towards you, allowing them to take one step forward. As soon as they have their weight over their leading leg and are ready to take the next step ask them to stop.
Step 2: The horse will instinctively pull up the other leg opposite the leading leg followed by the rear leading leg and opposite rear leg - the horse will have already lowered its frame in one to move forward.
Step 3: If the horse continues to hold its lower frame, reward it with a pat or treat.
Step 4: In time and with much practice the horse will know that the treat or rattle is not only to get their attention, but to perform a specific task.

Make sure to perform this position daily so it doesn't became a chore for your horse, but a part of the daily schedule. Never make your horse hold a pose for more than a few minutes at a time and be sure to reward them with pats and treats.

*Article From: TheMiniatureHorse.com*

GROOMING TIPS

Here are some tips to make grooming your Miniature Horse friend not only efficient but a wonderful bonding experience as well.

1. Invest in quality tools. Although the initial cost is much higher, good tools can last years with the right care.

2. Size and design is important. If the tool is not comfortable for you to use, chances are your grooming session will become short and infrequent. Some brands are designed for a woman's hand.

3. Understand that each horse is an individual. Some enjoy a stiffer brush and pressure while others require softer bristles and a light touch.

4. Be careful with the mane and tail. Try to avoid breaking these specialized hairs with tough handling as it can take years for them to grow back to that length. Don't over-wash. I wash my horse's tail and mane with shampoo about once a month but don't use any conditioner or products that might attract dust.

5. Find a routine that works for you and your horse and stick to it. What becomes a habit is efficient and soothing to both horse and human.

6. After a workout or training, if weather permits, hose your horse off. It gets rid of the sweat that attracts flies and can make the horse itchy. I use water with no shampoo so I don't strip the good body oils from the coat. During the colder winter months, you may want to wash off the legs only, and use the rubber curry and brush to keep the coat clean. A damp wash cloth works well to wipe off the face, eyes and behind the ears where miniature horses often sweat.

Hint: A bath is an excellent way to moisten the hooves.

7. Spring shedding requires extra support. To help your horse shed his winter coat, give him a bath, wait until he is half dry and then proceed with the rubber curry and brush. The dampness in the coat helps loosen the hairs better than when the coat is dry. Within a few weeks you'll find your horse is cooler and has shed a good deal of his long winter hairs.

Hint: Never rush the grooming process, even if you're running late - it's better to shorten your training time a little. Your miniature horse with thank you for it.

8. Keep your tools clean. Clean brushes monthly with a very mild dish soap, rinse really well and place them bristle side down to dry completely. Because the brushes will be touching your horse, be sure to use a mild or natural soap product. You should also consider washing your harness on a weekly basis.

Developing a good grooming routine will serve both you and your horse well. While a beautiful, healthy coat begins on the inside with good nutrition, grooming maximizes its potential and provides wonderful emotional benefits for both horse and trainer.

A good daily routine to follow:

Start with a soft bristle brush for the face. Regular brushes are too hard for the sensitive face of a miniature horse, so save those for the legs and body.
If eyes or face need more cleaning, moisten a wash cloth and gently rub the places that need attention.
Gently brush the forelock, mane and tail using a pin cushion type of hair brush. Start from the bottom of the tail and work your way up to the dock (in sections if needed). T his breaks the fewest number of hairs. Remember, horses need their tails to keep those pesky flies away.
Next comes a combination technique. It actually takes some practice (like rubbing your tummy and patting your head). Use circular motions with a soft rubber curry in one hand, following be a regular bristle body brush in the other to wipe away the dust and hair. Be gentle on the under belly and girth area as these are more sensitive.
Finally, clean out the feet, and you're ready to go.

*Article From: TheMiniatureHorse.com*

NORTH AMERICAN MINIATURE HORSE & PONY SOCIETY
© 2007