Miniature Horse Questions!?

Question

First of all I have a friend with 4 miniature horses. I would like to see them win some ribbons.

1. How can I get these cuties back in shape? Yes I am light enough to ride them and am currently training them just the basics (Bending, gaits, turn, draw reins, stop, etc...) I cant ride them too much otherwise I would wear them out to much.

2. Can you show a miniature horse in a little Halter class?

If so how do you train and prepare (grooming)?

3. Any tips on pulling a really thick miniature horse mane? Do you just reccomend cutting it?

Thanks so much!

:) Have a great day :)

Answer 1

You should not be riding minis.  They're not built to carry weight.  

I would send them off for driving training and then exercise them with a cart.

Honestly I don't pull manes.   Thinning shears are one easy pain-free way of thinning the mane.

Answer 2

As far as grooming I would not cut or pul the mane. If you must just pull a little. They are known for the bushy manes. Clip them just as a normal horse. You could lunge them to get them into shape as well. Watch what ya feed them they tend to over eat.

Answer 3

Usually exercise of minis is done on a walker or by pulling a cart.

Yes, there are a number of halter classes for minis.  Minis are also showed in showmanship, trail class, jumping (both in hand), liberty, costume, driving, just to name a few.  They are typcially groomed much like you would a big horse.  The more QH looking minis are groomed like a QH with a shorter bridle path and the more Arab looking minis are groomed more like Arabs with a longer bridle path.  They are also set up similar to their big horse counterparts.

Usually minis are shown with a full thick mane that is not pulled, shortened, or thinned.  Just clip the bridle path area.