I can’t believe it… but we went back on the blog and looked… remember our little pony, Jackpot?
![](https://reddirtinmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_8353.jpg)
Well, he’s three years old now! Yeah. Three!
We’ve brushed him and picked up his feet and leaned on him and rubbed his ears, but there’s a need for more training. The question is… how do you train a miniature horse/pony? An adult can’t get on…
Well, they all need “ground work”. So that’s where we’re starting.
![](https://reddirtinmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_7062.jpg)
Showing him that strange objects aren’t going to eat him.
![](https://reddirtinmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_7069-scaled.jpg)
That strange things on the ground aren’t really that scary.
![](https://reddirtinmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-29-at-11.22.49-PM-1024x748.png)
That these first steps will finally pay off for his future…
![](https://reddirtinmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_7066.jpg)
We mostly have draft horse so they all get started driving. We enjoy starting a horse this way so much we now drive all our horses staring at about 1 year old. The young ones are good for pulling kids around in the snow. By they time there ready to ride they know the drill. Have fun!
Yes, and I remember them using long reins on some other horses, but I’m not sure where they are. Maybe I should look in the top of the barn.
I have wondered about him too. Looks like the training is going good. He’s practically asleep in that last photo, unless you just happened to catch a blink.
He was pretty relaxed…
he almost has appaloosa markings. What do people do with miniature horses? House pets? Wagon pulling?
Yes. Yes. All sorts of things with miniature horse/ponies… he’s big enough to ride or pull. We’ll see.
Looks like you are doing all the “right” things to make him a good solid pony for the kids. Keep at it!
I was wondering if you kept him. I can’t believe it is 3 years ago already wow!
He is so cute ! good job cowgirls