Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: starting a miniature horse to ride

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Watch Monty's horse training videos to learn how he demonstrates communication through horse training techniques that the amateur and professional alike consider to be the trainable skills of a horse whisperer yet Monty calls it horse gentling.
Monty's horse training techniques are non violent with intelligent natural horsemanship. In addition to video instructions, Monty has written many books related to natural horsemanship. Monty trains safe horses for nervous riders called Willing Partners. Monty trains world class race horses for sale.
“I am very proud to be a part of Her Majesty’s horse training and her passion for their welfare. I believe she is the leading monarch for the advocacy of horses in the world. She is a thought leader in this field. Her Majesty's horses are trained using the Dually Halter, making a difference in the training of sensitive animals by giving the horse the choice to partner in the training.” ~ Monty
“I communicate with a horse in what I call the Language of Equus; a silent language of gestures that is discernible, predictable and effective. Now you can learn from my videos, audio and notes to help you understand the horse as I do. This language is really quite simple, but simplicity becomes its greatest strength.” ~ Monty
Monty Roberts is a renowned horse trainer known as the man who listens to horses and the original horse whisperer. Monty's horse training instructions are accepted worldwide.
Monty has helped thousands of people globally through his Monty Roberts Online Videos to learn how to Join-Up with horses, training young horses, spooky horses, horses that bite. His mustang , Shy Boy , is his most famous horse.
Join-Up methods help horse and trainer to establish a bond of communication and trust. “You must somehow understand that we as horsemen can do very little to teach the horse. What we can do is to create an environment in which he can learn.” ~ Monty
Monty says, “We hear that ‘actions speak louder than words,’ but generally we do not live by it too successfully.” Now Monty has taught thousands of people worldwide how to build trust in animals through our actions and body language.
Monty’s principles really amount to common sense and immense patience. He believes that children and horses have the same behavioral patterns. They are both naturally “flight” animals. "If you frighten them and resort to confrontation, you’ll lose their trust." ~ Monty
"Simple one-on-one reassurances and praise reap long term dividends that can all be undone with the quick slamming of a book on a desk or shouting back." ~ Monty Roberts
"No one of us was born with the right to say 'You must or I'll hurt you' to any other living thing, animal or human". ~ Monty Roberts
"My life's goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it, for horses and for people too". ~ Monty Roberts

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Horse Behavior and Training

starting a miniature horse to ride

By:

manika

Date:

2020-May-25 at 09:37PM

I have a twelve year old miniature horse gelding that I am trying to train as a riding pony for my little sisters. He is a perfect dream to handle on the ground, and is super cooperative. He accepts a saddle and is good with the little ones being lead on his back, but he knows nothing about responding to rein pressure or being guided without a person leading him. I have long lines, and would like to try driving him for starters, but does anyone have any other ideas?

JoHewittVINTA 2020-May-26 at 10:41AM

Hi & welcome to the Uni. There are lessons here showing how Monty starts horses for riding. Size of horse is irrelevant, the principles remain the same. Long lining will train him to be 'ridden' from the ground. It is likely that, being used to being lead he will be quite confused at first so, stay very calm & work in a safe enclosure using encouragement - a stick with plastic attached for example & remember to be very generous with your praise. The problem with miniatures is their riders are too young/small to teach the skills & aids a riding horse needs. For safety sake perhaps you should limit your aim to progressing him to lead from another pony or horse. However, he would be able to pull a light cart. As always, we need to be mindful not to take too much advantage of our equines willing nature. Little ponies are strong but we MUST ask for effort in proportion to their size. Yes, your miniature pony should be put to best use, introduced properly he will enjoy it but your responsibility is to never overtax him. Have fun with the training & keep us posted on your progress. Cheers, Jo.

manika 2020-May-28 at 01:27AM

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your advice!!!! :)