Questionhi i just got a 7 month miniature horse and he is not very calm. sorry i have many questions.my mini does no trust me and i would like to bond with him more.can u tell me any thing i can do to help him trust me? he is very bad at walking on a lead and he will rear. how do i stop the rearing and to lead properly? again sorry for so many questions.he is scared of the brush and will pick up his feet but will not hold them up even if i try to force him.how do i teach him how to not be afraid and to pick up his feet? i have an 8 year old mare to she is very calm and is broke to drive and ride. if i train her to jump and do hunters will she get jumpy and and will not be calm any more? thanks for takeing your time to answer these questons.
AnswerHi Nicole-
Thanks for your question(s). If you just got him, there will be a period of adjustment. I would suggest you invest in a "ground training" or "starting the colt" CD/DVD or book by someone like Clinton Anderson or Parellis. Even though they are for large horses, the training is the same. There is just too much to cover in this forum. The only other thing I can suggest is patience and consistency- it sounds as though he needs to be handled a lot and with time he will turn out like your mare. I would train your mare without worry- minis lots of times love to learn new things and if she was started correctly and goes willingly for you, that shouldn't change. Be sure to keep your training sessions for both short, quit on a good note and reward good behavior with petting and verbal praise. Hope this helps. Best, Toni
