getting_ready

How do I get my mini and myself ready for all this stuff?

The first thing you should do is to have a vet check your miniature horse.

Do not worry if your miniature horse is registered or not. That is not a requirement.

DO you know how to drive? Find an instructor to get you started or to brush up on your driving skills. Joining a driving club is a great way to find people to help you.

Start conditioning your mini. Even if you are waiting to hitch up for the first time or the ground is too soggy to drive, then walk your mini like a dog, put your mini in a round pen or long-line/lunge your mini to start getting him/her fit.

Clean up your mini as if you were going to go into a breed show.

Make the needed adjustments to your harness and tack. Take off the checks and add a caverson or noseband. Be sure you have substantial breeching.

Make sure your equipment is in safe working order.

If you are planning on doing a one-day trial, most easy entry carts or training carts are fine. Check with the show manager if bike wheels are OK for that event. Make sure you have a spares kit and reflectors on your carriage.

Enter your mini in local non-breed driving shows and show in the pony division. If there is no pony division, show anyway. This is a great way to expose you and your mini to ADS type shows. These shows often have a cone's class or two and sometimes a "pleasure marathon".

Join the American Driving Society and read their rulebook.

Go and see a driving trial for yourself. Navigate (groom) for someone with a non-vse to help you learn the ropes (besides it is great fun hanging off the back of a marathon vehicle!)

Of course - Practice! That is the best part!

There is no lower size limit for your mini. But be sure that your mini is strong enough to easily pull you up and down small hills.