| Silk Purse Farm's Off Farm training procedure |
| I am not zoned to do on-farm training, so all of my
training is off farm and honestly, it works out better because I get only serious clients that will drive their minis when "we're" done. I charge $25/ hr for local - within 40 minutes of where I live and because of the high price of gas, I'll have to charge more for longer distances - unless I can do 2-3 clients in that area. I show the owner what to do then I give the client homework and when the homework is completed, the client is to call me back for the next step in the training. The length of time it takes to train a miniature horse to drive is dependent on a couple of different factors: 1. how much the miniature horse already knows. Obviously, if I get one that has never been handled, that one will take longer to train than one that has been shown at horse shows in halter or even better- in-hand obstacle/trail classes. 2. The miniature horses personality. Some minis are very laid back and will tolerate anything. But in my experience, the more "difficult" ones can make the best driving horses once you school the silliness out of them. 3. The amount of time the owner puts into the "homework". A well handled miniature horse and a diligent owner can be driving in a cart in 4 to 6 sessions, but learning is not complete for several more sessions. You have to learn to condition the miniature horse's muscles, learn to handle the mini when it gets scared and shies, stung by a bee or tries to run off. These sessions get spaced futher apart. The owner is encouraged to take driving lessons. It doesn't have to be from Silk Purse Farm's. Learning to drive is a life long process. Even just doing pleasure drives. If you are interested in the above program and would like to contact me, email: donkey_mom@yahoo.com |
 |
| Pleasure shows are fun. Especially if you are the only miniature horse and you place well in a class. |
 |
 |
| Notice how I grew ears? |
 |
 |
 |
| Pictures are clickable for information about the mini. *click* here for thoughts about how much weight a minis can pull |