I have two bff miniature geldings. I led them on a short and peaceful trail walk to a forest stream, and back today (the entire adventure took about 45 minutes). It went very well. They were both very well behaved. They trust me, and listened to my verbal commands (except for a couple of times when they found tasty plants). My plan, if they get spooked and bolt during a trail walk, is to hang on for dear life to the smaller of the two minis. I am confident that i would be able to retain control of one, but not both, if something "spooky" were to happen, but i also know that they are extremely bonded, and if one gets away, he'll come right back before too long, to be back with his buddy.
I don't like doing it because if a horse gets spooked by something, having one horse freaking out is more than enough. That's just me, though, because there are situations when it's safer, especially when they're field mates.
Such a great point! It's wise to keep in mind they are flight animals and not only prepare them using positive reinforcement but also being sensitive to the environment and the horses themselves, how the feel, how likely they are to spook etc. It's wise not to do this in any situation if either horses or humans have concerns.
I have two bff miniature geldings. I led them on a short and peaceful trail walk to a forest stream, and back today (the entire adventure took about 45 minutes).
It went very well. They were both very well behaved. They trust me, and listened to my verbal commands (except for a couple of times when they found tasty plants).
My plan, if they get spooked and bolt during a trail walk, is to hang on for dear life to the smaller of the two minis. I am confident that i would be able to retain control of one, but not both, if something "spooky" were to happen, but i also know that they are extremely bonded, and if one gets away, he'll come right back before too long, to be back with his buddy.
My neighbor brought 6 yearlings in everyday from paddocks. 3 on each side single file. They were calm & did it easily
That's fantastic!
I don't like doing it because if a horse gets spooked by something, having one horse freaking out is more than enough. That's just me, though, because there are situations when it's safer, especially when they're field mates.
Such a great point! It's wise to keep in mind they are flight animals and not only prepare them using positive reinforcement but also being sensitive to the environment and the horses themselves, how the feel, how likely they are to spook etc. It's wise not to do this in any situation if either horses or humans have concerns.