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It can be tempting to physically place a Miniature in the desired position or stance because of their small stature . We prefer to engage their mental acuity and take all the training steps that we take with larger horses even though it often doesn ’ t seem necessary with minis .
Miniature horses thrive on positive reinforcement training . We use treats as a training tool with our minis . If you decide on using treats it will be important to learn how to use treats both effectively and responsibly .
What makes a Trick Horse or Agility Candidate ?
We look for a horse that ’ s extraordinarily personable and has a desire to interact with humans . Interestingly enough , horses that seem dull or uninterested in human interaction may not seem to be the first choice but many horses actually perk up when introduced to trick training because the elements are so easy to understand and in turn easy for them to be successful .
Pedestal Training
Did you know … all species of animals trained by humans ( excluding horses !) are trained using a place or mark ? Big cats , birds , reptiles , elephants , and dogs ( canine agility ), all benefit from training that uses a pedestal or mark . The pedestal gives a horse sort of home base ( his own piece of real estate ) where he can take a break and receive praise or a food reward . Pedestal work helps to develop physical dexterity , increase selfconfidence , controlled boldness and a sense of security .
When starting a relationship with a Miniature Horse it ’ s important to start at eye level . A solid relationship is what will keep your horse interested in learning and feeling appreciated .
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Herding and retrieving the big ball is a trick of engagement . Here Anniversary is learning to “ push ” and control the ball with his nose . The next step will be for him to bring it to Sue .
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A pedestal gives a horse a piece of real estate of his own , a place where he receives rewards , praise and a break . Anniversary mounts the pedestal aided only with Sue ’ s cues ( at liberty ), completes three slow spins , steps down and completes a spin with haunches planted on the pedestal .
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Pedestal variations include the revolving pedestal where Anniversary makes revolutions on it until he is cued to stop .
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 Miniature Horse World 99