Mini School ─ Train Your Miniature Horse to Be All He Can Be: Longeing, Dressage, Tricks, Driving, Jumping

Turn your pint-size package into a head-turning performer! The first book of its kind for Mini lovers, Mini School takes the training and conditioning of Minis as seriously as that of their full-size cousins. With real, honest-to-goodness in-hand work that promises a relaxed, supple body and collected frame as well as obedience, you're given the tools to transform your cuddly companion into a sleek, well-muscled athlete and a talented entertainer.

You'll find valuable information on: ? How Minis learn, with discussion of both "learning through association" and "learning through success," and ways to manage factors that impact your Mini's ability to absorb new lessons ? Work on the longe line, long lines, and long reins, with special instruction on the proper use of side-reins and whip cues ? Popular tricks loved by audiences and Minis alike?bowing, kneeling, sitting, lying down, and rearing, to name a few ? Lateral work, including leg-yield, shoulder-in, haunches-in, and half-pass ? Dressage movements in-hand, such as pirouettes, piaffe, passage, and levade ? Conditioning through interval training and cross-training, featuring canter work, driving, cavalletti, and jumping gymnastics ? Plus a dictionary of voice commands and tips on how to use them.

As the owner of a Mini that was too small to be ridden but longed for an occupation, Sabine Ellinger sympathizes with the woes and joys of Mini owners everywhere. She and her Miniature Appaloosa, Lancelot, are known throughout Europe and Australia for their in-hand performances at shows and equine events. Audiences love their pas-de-deux with famous dressage riders.