Cross Breeds

Is it harder to train miniature horses?

I am interested in getting a miniature horse and I recently heard that they are harder to train than normal sized horses. Has anyone heard this before? Does anyone have experiance training miniatures? Where could I find a trainer ( I am located in KS)? I am looking to first just train them to lead, load, etc. (The general stuff) Later I would like to train him to pull a cart. The sourse who said this just said that their general temperment made them hard to train. And she mentioned their tender mouths. Any thoughts?

Public Comments

1. What exactly are you wanting to train them to do? I have minis, they have been broken to drive, and they were very fast learners, and actually much easier than big horses (because of their size)! However, I don't have much experience breaking them for riding, as the minis I have are very small. Some larger miniatures (which are usually actually shetlands or ponies) are broken to ride, and it shouldn't be too difficult with them. They can be a bit willful, but are usually pretty good natured about things!! I think everything depends on the particular horse's personality. Some large horses are quiet, some are crazy! Good luck with it!
2. We use to breed them and i found them easier to train...My neighbor before he broke his back use to be a farrier and he trained me to do trims, i trimmed all our minis...Backbreaking some i sat on the ground to do. I know here at least farriers charge the same amount to trim minis as they do normal size horses.
3. I think people who run into problems training mini's fall into the trap of letting them get away with things that they wouldn't let a 'normal' horse get away with. They're just like any other horse, but tiny. Don't get into the habit of treating it like a dog, as opposed to a horse and you should be fine.