The Mini Pony Show
Equestrian Razzle Dazzle in Miniature!
The Show
Have you ever seen a pony jump through three hula hoops in a row? How about a pony playing the piano? A ukulele? A kick drum? Or maybe doing mathematics with children? Dancing? Playing football? Honking a horn?! All this and more happens every day in our displays! The Mini Pony Show has been delighting audiences all over the UK since early 2022. Displays comprise all manner of trickery imaginable between the ponies, Rosie, and the audience. There's plenty of audience participation, and our 2025 season has had more mischief and mayhem than ever before. Training for 2026 is already underway - who knows what the ponies will get up to next!
With beautiful vintage inspired presentation, lively commentary, up-beat soundtracks and a plethora of razzle dazzle, The Mini Pony Show is an equestrian attraction like you’ve never seen before!
We can cater for many different kinds of events and venues. Everything from agriculutal shows and fetes, to festivals, children's farms, birthday parties and even weddings! All our performances aim to inspire, delight, enchant and excite, whilst also provide an insight into the amazing world of equestrian performance art. The incredible level of communication between Rosie and the ponies will have you enthralled from start to finish.
We provide three different twenty-five minute shows per day, all of which take place in our custom built round pen, and each followed by a meet and greet session allowing you to ask questions and interact with all performers - human and equine!
The Mini Pony Show is a completely self contained static side attraction. All we need supplying is a suitable space, access to fresh water, and the rest is down to us! We always try to arrive on site the evening before an event, in order to get set up and allow the ponies time to settle. Sites are always left as clean and tidy as possible – we are good campers!
Please note we are a static side attraction, not an arena act. Where we set up will be where all performances take place throughout the day.
Meet the Team
Rolo and Sprout
Meet Rolo and Sprout - the sweetest little duo you'll ever see! What they lack in size they more than make up for with character, these little boys are both bursting at the seams with personality! They're double trouble for sure and cannot wait to entertain everyone with their antics.
Both boys are Miniature Bristish Spotted Ponies. Born a few days apart in May 2018 Rolo stands just 36" tall, whilst Sprout is a mighty 32"!
Sprout's real name is Pennies Jazz Pants, but he arrived here at Christmas time when he was only seven months old, and because he was small and round the nickname Sprout stuck! Sprout absolutely loves playing all his musical instruments, especially the honky horn and the ukulele! Don't let his small size fool you - he's one of the most determined personalities you will ever meet. He's also the sweetest little chap, and absolutely loves a good scratch on his neck underneath his massive mane!
Rolo is Sprout's best friend, and arrived here when he was just six months old. Rolo is always the first at the stable door or gate in the mornings, and although he can be quite nervous sometimes, he's actually very sweet and friendly - he's always the one whickering a greeting! Rolo is the athletic one, and wows everybody with his hoop jumping prowess. But he's not just a pretty face, he's got brains as well as beauty and loves nothing more than mathematics!
Rosie
Since 1995 when Rosie first became involved in equestrian vaulting she has been passionate about performing. Competing on the British Team from 1995 until 1998, Rosie retired from competition in 2004. She then followed up her interest in alternative equestrianism by joining the Devil’s Horsemen, working there full time before returning to university to finish her degree in Equine and Human Sports Science in 2006. Since then Rosie has worked for the Devil’s Horsemen on a freelance basis, performing in many of their equestrian shows as well as working on countless film and TV productions, both nationally and internationally. From 2007 until 2011 Rosie was a primary member of Jive Pony, and in 2012 Rosie branched out on her own as Galloping Acrobatics. From then until 2020 Rosie and her team performed equestrian acts as main arena entertainment for events all over the country, from the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall! As a trick rider and Roman rider, Rosie has also been seen performing for Atkinson’s Action Horses – which she always absolutely loved! Rosie is also a Level Two Equestrian Vaulting Coach and has taught people from all walks of life and of all abilities just how special vaulting is. With the birth of her daughter, Orla, in August 2019 (just five days after performing at a show!) Rosie is now excited for her latest venture - The Mini Pony Show! With her love of performance combining with all the skills she has gained in over thirty years, The Mini Pony Show is destined to be a show you’ll never forget!
Shop
If you haven't been able to see us at a show and you'd like to buy some of our goodies, you can! We have a beautifully illustrated children's book, as well as postcards featuring Rolo and Sprout during our performances. Head on over to our Etsy shop to get your copies!
Buy your copy here!
When Orla was just three years old Rosie wrote a story for her, all about Rolo and Sprout going off on an adventure around a showground one summer's evening. They end up dancing the night away under the stars with a herd of magnificent Golden Gallopers - teaching and learning new moves and tricks as they do. The story also features Emily the Vizsla, whom many of you will know as one of Rosie's gorgeous lorry dogs!
We also have a series of postcards! There's Rolo playing football and yawning (laughing?!), and Sprout playing the ukulele and singing. The reverse side shows Sprout's beautiful spots! You can buy your own here.
2026 Calender
Bookings are now being taken for 2026, so if you'd like to watch us perform live keep an eye on this page to see when we'll be coming to a show near you!
Social Media
Keep an eye on all our training antics by following our Facebook page! Click the link above or search for The Mini Pony Show on Facebook.
FIVE HOOP JUMP!!
I can't tell you how proud I am of Rolo, he's just an absolute superstar! From a tiny nervous little foal who trembled whenever anyone went near him, to jumping through five hula hoops in front of a packed crowd and chugging steam engines. He amazes me!
Thank you so much to @h.blackmoreequinespinaltherapy for the video, taken at @hanburycountrysideshow 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #clickertraining #positivereinforcement #fivehoopjump #allthecarrots!
Did you know...?
You will if you read our fantastic facts board! Anything else I should add? What would you like to know?!
Thank you to my wonderful partner Rick for making the board, and to @j_g.equine for the photos, taken at @hanburycountrysideshow 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #didyouknow? #youdonow!
Hanbury Show!
We're here at @hanburycountrysideshow show and ready to perform at 11am, 2pm and 4.30pm. And now I know the ponies are fine with steam engines too!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #HanburyShow #steamengine #notscary #phew!
Little and Large!
We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Silver and Charlotte at @3countiesshows last weekend. Silver is 18.2hh, so even if I could stack Rolo and Sprout on top of one another they'd still be six inches shorter than him!
Thank you to John Barnes for the photo ☺
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #ShireHorse #bigandlittle #oneextremetotheother!
Hup and hup and hup!
Pop, pop, pop - three hoop jumps now!
(And a little cameo from Casper, the original hoop jumper🥰)
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #hoopjump #canhedofive?
Step Up!
What's better than a mini spotty pony standing proud on a pedestal? Two mini spotty ponies standing proud on their pedestals of course!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #pedestal #stepup #timestwo!
2023 Season is Go!
IN BRIEF: We're here at @camp_severn_kids_festival for our first show of the season!
IN DEPTH: We are prepped and ready and super excited to be performing in front of crowds again! Both ponies have new tricks, and I have some new costume 🥳
Performances are at 11am, 1pm and 3pm - and don't forget to come and meet the ponies after each show!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #2023season #letsgo!
Double Hoop Jump!
IN BRIEF: Rolo flew through two hoops today for the first time, and I am SO proud of him!
IN DEPTH: Keeping Rolo calm and not letting his anxiety overcome him is quite difficult, especially when he's doing high energy work such as jumping. We've built up to this really slowly, and I'm delighted with how confident he was with this today.
This is the beauty of positive reinforcement training. Rolo is jumping through the hoops because he wants to, he's having fun and he feels safe and confident. He knows he'll get a reward afterwards - carrots, yum! I could box him in and send him down, and although the end result might look very similar, his feelings about the learning process would be very different. Each to their own, but I know what I (and Rolo!) prefer!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #jump #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #powerofcarrots #happypony
MWAH!!
IN BRIEF: Mwah
IN DEPTH: MWAAAAAAAHH!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #clickertraining #positivereinforcement #kiss #kissme #mwah!
Sunday Training
IN BRIEF: We've had a lovely day today tickling away at some training, so here's a few snippets of what goes on behind the scenes!
IN DEPTH: We all had such a good day today, but I only filmed a little bit. Got loads of old stuff covered and new stuff worked on. Orla loves to watch (and join in as much as possible), as do Tinker and Casper! I know they miss the shows as much as I do (scroll back through my @galloping_rosie account to see them being absolute superstars), and they could certainly teach the ponies a trick or few!
Our first show is just two weeks away, so it's full steam ahead!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #hoopjump #gettingthere #slowlybutsurely #butpleasealsohurryup!
Hoopla!
IN BRIEF: Rolo is learning to jump through a hoop!
IN DEPTH: This is real time training, so pretty steady. I'm spending far more time with Rolo at the cones either side of the hoop as opposed to just jumping backwards and forwards. He can get very anxious and excited, so I'm trying to keep him as calm as possible, and focus more on going from cone to cone rather than the jump itself - and it seems to be working!
Next question is how many hoops do you think he'll be able to jump through in a row?!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #hoopjump #hulahoop #whatevernext!
Happy Anniversary Rolo!
IN BRIEF: Four years together!
IN DEPTH: Four years ago yesterday (I'm a day late posting!) I met this little scrap of a six month old foal. He was such a nervous little sweetheart. He was obviously well cared for, but was also on his own having been recently bought as a weanling - it's no wonder he didn't know if he was coming or going. I bought him on a whim, picked him up a week later and now he's a super duper mega star! Love you my little Rolo Polo Pony ❤
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #originstory #superstarinthemaking #bestrashdecisionevermade!
Spottytastic!
IN BRIEF: Spots!
IN DEPTH: Spots, spots and more spots!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony
!SOUND ON!
IN BRIEF: We got a delivery!
IN DEPTH: I ordered some extra instruments for the ponies' band, we've got plenty of ideas for training over the next few months ready for our 2023 season. But of course Orla had to try everything out first! And we had a very musical ride down to playgroup this morning!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #jinglebells #festive #onemanband #oneponyband #onetoddlerband #saveme #Ihaveaheadache
Day Job!
IN BRIEF: Rolo and Sprout are now Orla's main mode of transport down to Cylch (playgroup) every morning!
IN DEPTH: It might not be training training, but it's definitely still training! Walking the one mile down to the village and back every morning is doing the ponies no end of good. (It's a steep hill so it's also fittening work for me and them!) They see all sorts on the journey - traffic of all kinds, farms, rubbish and recycling bins, sheep, cows, pigs and pheasants, drains, ditches, people of all ages, dogs, buggies... the list is endless! I was especially proud of Sprout today, who took the Autumnal wind whirling all the leaves around him completely in his stride. Both them and Orla are growing so much in confidence everyday, both in their surroundings and each other, it's just wonderful to watch 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #dayjob #taxi #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #trainingistraining #everythingistraining!
Piano Playing Pony!
IN BRIEF: Look at his little nose!
IN DEPTH: Sprout is a little one man pony band! Here he is playing the piano, but you might also have seen him honk the horn, and shake his jingle bells. And have you seen him dance? Heard him sing?! He's such a talented little chap, and we have so many plans to add to his repertoire before next season! Let the winter training commence!
Photo by @adamfrancisnando
at @belmonthousegardens
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #pianist #musician #onemanband
Debut Season Done!
IN BRIEF: Five shows, eight performance days and twenty-six displays later our debut season is over!
IN DEPTH: It felt very nerve racking getting back into the show circuit after three years out (having a baby, then covid putting a stop to everything, and downsizing from Galloping Acrobatics), but we did it!
I'm so very grateful to the shows that took a chance and booked us, not knowing what we were going to do (I didn't either really!).
Rolo and Sprout have grown in confidence SO much over the summer. They've really matured and it's sometimes hard to remember that they're both only four years old! I also feel far more confident than I did at the beginning of the season, and am super excited for the future of The Mini Pony Show.
Bookings are coming in for 2023 already, so hopefully it'll be a busy one!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this season possible - all the organisers for booking us, all the audiences for cheering us on, and @adamfrancisnando for all the support, you are all SO appreciated!
Photo 1 - Great Harwood Agricultural Show
Photos 2 - 4 @3countiesshows. 3&4 by Richard Coleman
Photo 5 @esclusham_fete
Photos 6 & 7 @birstwith_show by Christopher Morris
Photos 8 - 10 @belmonthousegardens
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #carrotscarrotscarrots #GreatHarwoodShow #ThreeCountiesShow #EsclushamFete #BirstwithShow #BelmontWoodfest #THANKYOU #2022done!
This lot make my heart happy 🥰
📸 @adamfrancisnando 😘
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #behindthescenes #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony
Three Counties Show!
IN BRIEF: We did twelve performances over three days, phew!! We had a 30° heatwave on Friday, torrential rain on Saturday, and perfect weather on Sunday. But throughout it all the ponies were amazing!
IN DEPTH: It was such a relentlessly busy weekend, I didn't get a chance to walk around the show at all sadly. However, the crowds came to us! We had such good audiences, despite the extremes of weather. Sprout was an absolute superstar every day, he really did amaze me. Rolo struggled with anxiety a bit, so we stuck to very basics with him which he loves and he got more relaxed as the weekend went on. And everything I did ask of him he tried his best - even if he did put on a few impromptu laps of honour!
Thank you so much to @3countiesshows for taking a punt on us, and looking after us all so well - the weekend was exhausting but so worth it!
Thank you also to Richard Coleman for the photos, and @adamfrancisnando for filming us 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #carrotscarrotscarrots (5kg over three days!!!)
WE DID IT!
IN BRIEF: Last weekend we had our debut show at Great Harwood Agricultural Show, and the ponies were AMAZING!
IN DEPTH: From having their first bath on Friday morning, their first journey in the lorry on Friday afternoon, their first night in their new stable under the gazebo, their first time at a show, their first time seeing me in costume, their first performances (four of them!), to their first proper meet and greet, both Rolo and Sprout were absolutely incredible. I am SO proud of them!
I couldn't have done any of it without @adamfrancisnando, who also took this video footage. Thank you 😘
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #positivereinforcement #carrotscarrotscarrots #GreatHarwoodShow #wedidit #thisshowisgo!
Multipurpose Props!
IN BRIEF: Is it a bridge? Is it a jump? It is a pedestal or two? It's all of them!
IN DEPTH: As I've not got much space in the lorry, I've been getting props that can function in as many different ways as possible! Sprout uses it as a bridge for his death defying balancing act, Rolo can leap over it, and both of them can stand proud. And it's even got a seesaw base for the bridge... but that's for another day!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #custombuilt #madetomeasure #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #fabrication #multipurpose #worksmartnothard!
Mini Adventure!
IN BRIEF: We all went on a little trip this morning, so Rolo and Sprout could visit Orla's toddler art club at The Cross Keys Llanfyllin. We had fun!
IN DEPTH: This was the first time the ponies had been out to meet people, and although I was hopeful they'd be fine (they've met plenty of people at home), I couldn't have been more pleased with them - they were foot perfect! So we had happy ponies, and happy toddlers, on a gorgeous sunny day. Perfect!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #meetandgreet #CrossKeysLlanfyllin
Ta Daaaa!
IN BRIEF: Our debut show is rushing up! We'll be at Great Harwood Show on 4th June - wish us luck!
IN DEPTH: We've been training plenty, and running through with pa system, music, flappy bunting etc etc, but you can't ever recreate a show atmosphere, so who knows what will happen on the day! I am incredibly nervous (which never helps matters!) but we'll be doing four fifteen minute displays, each followed by twenty minutes meet and greet, so if nothing else people will be able to say hello to the ponies! Hopefully we'll muster a trick or few throughout the day though, fingers and hooves crossed!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #pedestal #tadaa #herewego!
One Man Band!
IN BRIEF: He's a musical pony!
IN DEPTH: Playing the piano, shaking those jingle bells, and honking a horn - Rolo can do it all!
🎶🎶🎶
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #music #musician #piano #pianist #jinglebells #honkyhorn #onemanband!
Prop prep!
IN BRIEF: It's not just the ponies who need prepping ready for the first show!
IN DEPTH: I picked up these custom made pedestals this week, but unfortunately they were too slippery for the ponies to stand on safely. So I've sanded them down and painted them with non-slip grit paint. Safety first, first aid last!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #showprep #showlife #prepprepprep #countdowntodebutshow!
Tent!
IN BRIEF: Prep is in full swing for our debut show!
IN DEPTH: Aside from their training, I'm also trying to get the boys used to the less exciting aspects of show life - specifically here where they'll be staying! I'm loving this new tent, and they watched with great curiosity as I set it up. It didn't take them long to come in, so I hope they'll be as accepting with everything else coming their way!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #showprep #gazebo #showlife #prepprepprep #herewego!
Meastro!
IN BRIEF: Putting the piano playing on cue - day one for Rolo!
IN DEPTH: Rolo cottoned on to this really quickly, so we'll work on building duration and distance.
And if he's wearing his jingle bells and can honk the honky horn on cue as well he'll be a walking one man band!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #piano #musician #meastro
Training/Chaos!
IN BRIEF: Training the ponies with a toddler in tow is not easy! 🥴
IN DEPTH: Orla is very keen on 'helping' me train the ponies at the moment - and I'm not going to stop her! But crikey, it does make it difficult! Trying to keep an eye on all three of them, making sure when I'm focusing on one the other two are safe, and also trying to actually train the minis and not just let everything go to pot takes a lot of juggling.
Throw in a honky horn, a pedestal and some jingle bells and it's all good fun!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #honkyhorn #toottoot #pedestal #toddler #helpfultoddler #utterchaos
Up Downs!
IN BRIEF: Who doesn't love ponies on a pedestal?! They certainly love it!
IN DEPTH: This seems to be my go to thing to train whenever it's getting dark - so sorry for the horrible video quality!
The hardest thing to train with the pedestal is keeping the boys OFF it, especially Rolo. So we're currently working on taking turns, and waiting patiently in between - easier said than done!
Video sped up because two minutes of up downs is too much!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #pedestal #updownupdown
Dancing!
IN BRIEF: We're working on our synchronicity, and the boys are better at it than me!
IN DEPTH: The boys have been a bit unsettled this week, possibly the weather? So we've been doing very basic stuff that they feel super secure with, and just making sure to keep everything easy for them.
It's really important to train the horse you have in front of you on that day, even if it means dialling back your own plans!
And going over and over the basics is no bad thing, we're working on our footwork so one day it will be fancy!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #dancing #legcross #fancyfootwork
Fetch!
IN BRIEF: Pony/dog? Dog/pony?!
IN DEPTH: I've not done much of this with Rolo, and not for a long time either - but that doesn't seem to matter!
I like to vary what the ponies learn, both within and between sessions. That means we work on things that involve different body parts, or different types of movement, or established behaviors vs new ones, or 'tricks' vs useful skills etc etc.
This definitely means things are varied for them, and that their repertoire is growing hugely, but it also means we have lots of different things on the go at any point in time and that sometimes I forget that we started something!
I really should start writing everything down and have a more structured approach, but I'm just not that organised unfortunately!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #fetch #goodboy #gooddog!
Dizzy?
IN BRIEF: Turn away is becoming Rolo's signature move, but today was the first time I asked him for two in a row!
IN DEPTH: You can see Rolo was a bit confused when I asked for the second turn away, but we're making more and more pairs of moves and he definitely understood what I was asking.
It's a bit (very 😕) slippery underfoot in the round pen, but Rolo saved it with a bit of sass! If in doubt, just style it out!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #dancing #turnaway #sass!
ZOOMIES!!
IN BRIEF: I took the boys for a walk in the woods today - they LOVED it!
IN DEPTH: It's so much fun taking the little guys out walking (zooming!) with the dogs, I absolutely love watching them and they enjoy it SO much. I mean, talk about enrichment!
And I know it's not training training, but it's still training, and we're all having fun so it's definitely a win win!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #liberty #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #enrichment #wildinthewoods #zoom #zoom #ZOOM!
HONKY TONK!
IN BRIEF: Honk!
IN DEPTH: Honky tonk, honk honk honky tonk!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #honkyhorn #musician #musicalgenius
Bow!
IN BRIEF: Take a bow you clever little Rolo pony!
IN DEPTH: Bow might look like a fairly simple trick, and it is pretty basic, but there's actually an awful lot that goes into it! As a finished trick, I'm looking for Rolo to go into the bow without me touching him, to hold it, and then come back up when asked.
So in order to achieve that we need a clear cue to commence the behaviour - I run my thumb lightly down his forearm (you can see I have both thumbs out as I will be in between the ponies cueing both of them at the same time, and I'm also teaching my body to be consistent!). Rolo needs to understand the cue, then keep his balance whilst picking up the leg, rocking his weight backwards, and lowering himself down onto his knee.
He needs to be comfortable in the final position (which is why I prefer them to find the position themselves, without me 'helping'), so he can hold it until asked to stand up again - which also requires good balance!
And did I mention I'd like him to do it on both sides?!
As with everything it's a work in progress, and progress is work, but we're getting there!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #bow #takeabow #moretoitthanyouthink!
Sorry but Yay!
IN BRIEF: Awful lighting, awful angle, awful footage - but we did a thing!
IN DEPTH: Sorry it's such bad footage, but I wanted to share this so it's up here to look back on! Sometimes things start to fall into place at the most unexpected time. I didn't for one minute think when I put the pedestal out for a stolen ten minutes of training late this afternoon that this would be the result. And even though it's messy, and nowhere near perfect (is there ever any such thing?!), I couldn't be more pleased with these little guys. They're just the best 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #workinprogress #trainingistrainingwhateveryoudo #wedidathing!
Dance Off!
IN BRIEF: Same moves, but who did it better?! (Camera angle and light is not in Sprout's favour! 🤦🏼♀️)
IN DEPTH: Although I'm teaching the boys some different tricks to one another, they're also learning many of the same ones. I was originally doing this so they could work together doing the same moves, but now I'm thinking a dance off might be more fun?!
Either way, you need to make sure a move is well established individually before combining. This goes for individual moves, as well as ponies!
We established the circling around me and the spin separately, before combining the two moves, then we'll gradually add more moves (that will have been added together in pairs or threes first) until we have a fully choreographed dance!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #nodramaponytraining #dancing #danceoff #choreography #competition #anythingyoucandoIcandobetter!
Pony Power!
IN BRIEF: Rolo and Sprout are learning to be ridden, swipe to hear toddler giggling!
IN DEPTH: The minis are learning so many different skills at the moment, one of which (and arguably the most important) is to be little ridden ponies for Orla. Today was Sprout's first time wearing the bareback pad, and he was perfect! 🤩 I just love how much joy they bring Orla, she's a lucky little girl for sure! 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #riddenpony #toddler #growingupwithponies #luckygirl!
Winter Training
IN BRIEF: It gets dark far too early and far too quickly!
IN DEPTH: Training the boys this afternoon, only to get benighted! Poor little Sprout! We don't have a light in the pony barn yet (it's on the list!), so I try not to train too late in the afternoon. The ponies are often more skittish at dusk, which is only natural as prey animals, but I expect one day we'll have to perform in the evening so it's no bad thing to practise occasionally - even if it is unintentional. Every cloud has a silver lining and all that! And I am most grateful to actually have a barn to train in at all (thanks @adamfrancisnando 😘) - last year we didn't!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #wintertraining #toodarktoosoon #comeonsummer
My Little Mathematician!
IN BRIEF: Rolo has been doing his maths homework - sound on to hear him doing a sum!
IN DEPTH: This obviously needs sharpening up quite a bit, but the basics are there - Rolo can do maths!
I've mentioned this before, but if you want to teach this, it's SUPER important that you spend just as much time (if not more probably!) teaching them to STOP counting as you do teaching them to start - otherwise they'll just count to infinity!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #nodramaponytraining #maths #mathemetician #counting #homework #cleverchap
Woodland Walks
IN BRIEF: I took the boys for a walk in the woods today, along with the dogs, and we all had a lovely time!
IN DEPTH: The boys take it in turns to be free, and whoever stays with me gets to practice some tricks and have plenty of treats! Whenever the free pony comes back to me I make sure to give him some extra tasty carrots - this seems to work in making sure whoever is free never strays very far!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #libertyhorse #libertywalk #foraging #wildinthewoods #neighboursthinkIamcrazy!
Piano Playing Ponies!
IN BRIEF: I bought a piano for the ponies!
IN DEPTH: I've never taught a pony to play the piano before, so this is winging it even more than usual! This was the very first time they saw the piano, and as you can see, all it takes is a few tasty snacks and they are keen! Obviously they'll never actually play a tune, but I'd like to get to the point where they can walk up to it and do some honky tonkying - maybe whilst the other one is dancing?!
Credit to the amazing Paulina and her super pony Alvin at @playlovelearn.se for the inspiration behind this 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #nodramaponytraining #pianist #pianoplayer #futuremusicalgenius
Happy Anniversary Sprout!
IN BRIEF: Three years ago today I first met Sprout as a very small (and very round) seven month old foal!
IN DEPTH: Having realised Rolo was a bit too small and delicate to be turned out with the big boys, I'd been looking for a little friend for him his own size - and along came Sprout! Or Zit as he was then called 😕🤷🏼♀️. He was in a little stable all by himself and he looked so lonely, I couldn't not have him. So having not meant to buy a mini at all all of a sudden I had two! And I wouldn't change it for the world, they are best friends now and I love them both very much!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #foal #whatwasIthinking #horseshavetocomeinpairsright?!
Pucker Up!
IN BRIEF: Who doesn't love a smooch with a mini pony? Sprout gives such good kisses!
IN DEPTH: Swipe for some real time training! When teaching the kiss it's super important not to let your horse/pony associate your face with food! Notice how he gets the click for responding to the 'mmmm' cue and nuzzling my face, but then his reward is presented to him low down in front of his chest. It's very tempting to place a treat between your teeth/lips to teach this trick, but I would really advise against it!
Another really important part of training that I try my best to stick to is that 'three is the magic number'. Whatever stage of learning they're at, if they can do the desired behaviour three times in a row at the level you were suggesting, then it's time to move on. (If they are unable to it means you need to go back as many stages as necessary until they can!) That can mean training for some tricks can take as little as thirty seconds, as you can see with this kiss!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #nodramaponytraining #kiss #puckerup #threeisthemagicnumber
Ouch?!
IN BRIEF: Rolo is learning to count. I'm very grateful he's only tiny!
IN DEPTH: He gave a good stomp right onto my foot! I don't think he did it on purpose... 🤔
This is the very early stages of teaching him to count. It's SUPER important that once they have learnt to paw on cue that you teach them to STOP pawing on cue also! Otherwise you'll just create a monster!
It's a very easy trick, and one which they usually love, and it's also one which usually always goes down well at shows! Who doesn't love a pony that can do maths?!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #nodramaponytraining #maths #counting #ouch #thankgoodnessyouareonlytiny!
Jump!
IN BRIEF: Rolo is learning to jump! And he LOVES it!
IN DEPTH: Rolo is a very enthusiastic little chap, so we have been working a lot (A LOT!) on relaxation, and only doing things from a state of calm. So with teaching him to jump I'm using both the mat and cone. He knows to stand calmly on/by these things, so the exciting jump in the middle is just a filling of a calm relaxed sandwich!
It also means he's learning to jump by focusing on going forwards towards something he knows and likes, rather than by running away from pressure or something he finds aversive. Win win!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #nodramaponytraining #freejumping #ping!
Happy Anniversary Rolo!
IN BRIEF: Three years ago today I first met Rolo as a tiny little six month old foal 🥰
IN DEPTH: He was incredibly nervous, but wanted to be friendly, and was just the sweetest little boy. I'd not really been planning on buying a mini, but I couldn't not have him! So I bought him and that was that!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #foal #originstory #suckedin #slipperyslope
Walkies!
IN BRIEF: I took Rolo and Sprout for a walk today, and they took turns to be free!
IN DEPTH: We've not done this for a while (I usually have a toddler to wrangle too!), but both the boys absolutely LOVED it! Especially Rolo in twenty-five acres of lush grass - I was slightly concerned I'd never see him again as he went through the gate and charged off bucking and farting!! 💨💨 Thankfully he comes back as fast as he goes! PHEW!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #positivereinforcement #intraining #libertyhorse #looseintwentyfiveacres #braveorstupid #pleasecomeback #phew
A Gift from Sprout!
IN BRIEF: I asked Sprout for a bow, and he offered a kneel! (And held it for ages 😬)
IN DEPTH: Sprout was obviously feeling generous, so when he offered the kneel he got richly rewarded with LOTS of clicks and treats! He stayed down there far longer than I thought he would, and seemed very comfortable the whole time. And look how happy I am when I realise we're right in front of the camera!
Good little boy 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #jackpot!
ROUND PEN!
IN BRIEF: I've finally had a round pen made for the minis, and I set it up on the yard to show the boys!
IN DEPTH: Our neighbour is a metalworker (SB Metalcraft Ltd), and he's made this fantastic round pen for me. It's the perfect size and height and exactly what I wanted! I'll be training the boys in here over the winter, as Adam has made me a flat space out in the field (thanks @adamfrancisnando 😘). I'm just not sure whether to leave it as it is or paint it - what do you think?
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #custommade #metalfabrication #roundpen #letsgettraining!
Boop!
IN BRIEF: Boop.
IN DEPTH: Booooooooooop!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #Boop #boopmynose
Time for the Tooth Fairy!
IN BRIEF: Rolo and Sprout had their annual dentist visit on Monday, and Sprout had a wobbly baby tooth removed!
IN DEPTH: Horse teeth are serious bits of kit, even a baby tooth cap from a 32" mini pony! Swipe to see a close up of it. Our wonderful dentist, Geraint, had a student (Ruth) with him for the day, and this was her first ever time removing a tooth. She was made up about it, and took it home as a keepsake - so poor Sprout won't be able to put it under his pillow for a visit from the tooth fairy!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #equinedentist #dentistry #babytooth #wobblytooth #toothfairy #oddthingtofindinyourpocketwhenyougethome!
IN BRIEF: Orla loves pulling sticky grass out of the hedgerows to bring back for the ponies, and they're always very grateful!
IN DEPTH: Foraging healthy snacks for the ponies is a win-win situation. It keeps Orla busy, entertained and focused - she carried the sticky grass about 400m! The ponies learn to associate her with nice things, not just being bashed with brushes and shouted at - they realise the toddlersaurus isn't all bad really!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #foraging #StickyGrass #goosegrass #toddler #dayinthelife #earningherkeep!
A Helping Hand
IN BRIEF: Following on from yesterday's post, here's Orla helping the boys get their haylage!
IN DEPTH: I love watching these three interacting, they're all learning so much from one another all the time. Ponies make for a happy toddler, and I think in this case they appreciated her too!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #foraging #enrichmentactivity #toddler #teamworkmakesthedreamwork!
Hide and Seek Hay!
IN BRIEF: I like to hide the minis' haylage all over the place, to encourage them to move and forage, rather than just stand and eat from a big pile.
IN DEPTH: Movement and foraging is SO important for the physical, physiological and mental health of horses. One really easy way to help meet this need is by 'hiding' their daily rations!
My two little guys are in a pretty bare paddock (the green is mostly weeds and thistles that they don't eat!), so I give them one slice of HorseHage per day between them. I break it up and hide it all around their paddock, and then it's up to them to find it!
The photos show:
* In tree branches
* On the big stone pile
* In the old gates
* In the tractor wheels
* In the fence
* On the old water tank
* In old fallen tree branches
And my personal favourite
* On the tyre swing!
The more creative you can get with this the better - they will have fun and you can have fun watching them ☺
Thank you to @HorseHageandMollichaff for supplying us with enough haylage to keep the boys fed and happy and in tip top shape!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #foraging #naturalbehaviour #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #iftheycanfindit!
He's Freeeeee!!
IN BRIEF: Rolo and I went for a lovely walk in the sunny woods today 😎
IN DEPTH: We had such a lovely afternoon! I've only taken him to the woods a couple of times this year, and not had him loose at all as it's just impossible to wrangle Orla and a free pony on my own! But no Orla today meant we could go for a pony walk!
He was so good!! All the way he was doing his own thing, but never far from my side. He felt really confident compared to last summer, and tackled every obstacle like a champ. I thought he was off at one point, but the instant I called him he turned and came back just as fast as he'd gone!
The woods we live next to are beautiful, the sun was shining and we both had a really lovely time, as did the dogs. We were a happy little pack!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #libertyhorse #freewalk #inthewild #ifyougodowntothewoodstoday!
Treat Cam!
IN BRIEF: I picked some Sticky Grass out of the hedgerow today for the boys - they LOVE it!
IN DEPTH: We have so much Sticky Grass growing round us, and it has to be one of the boys favourite things to eat. Whenever I go out I always bring back handfuls of it for them, and they're always very happy about it!
Other things they love are Cow Parsley, Blackberries and Rosehips, but the Sticky Grass is so abundant at the moment that's what they're getting most of. Do you forage for your horses/ponies? What are their favourites?!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #treatcam #foraging #hedgerowbounty!
MWAH (Day Two!) 💋
IN BRIEF: Look at his little face! Who wouldn't want to kiss him?!
IN DEPTH: Sprout's second lesson with the kiss - and he's doing it perfectly!
I'm now asking for the kiss and then feeding him well away from my face - as mentioned in our last kiss post you really don't want them associating your face with food!
Sprout was struggling with standing still prior to the kiss, he kept creeping towards me which then makes it harder for him to reach up to my face. So I asked him from the pedestal, which means he has a good solid stand and better learns to reach for me. Yet another way to use the pedestal as a training tool!
Combining cues can be reinforcing in itself. Sprout likes the pedestal, so he looks forward to getting up there, which means he'll want to do the kiss, so he's keen for me to ask him for it, and to top it all off he gets a click and treat! This makes him a happy boy who enjoys his training, which is positively reinforcing for me as his trainer because he whinnies when he sees me and runs into the barn ready to work! It's a win win situation!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #pedestal #kiss #perfectlittlechap
Round and round and round we go!
IN BRIEF: There's more than one way to use a pedestal!
IN DEPTH: I've been using the pedestal as an anchor for myself whilst working on Sprout's circles and turns, and it's been so helpful to stop me wandering about! He wasn't sure about me standing up there at first, but he didn't take long to get used to the idea. It's actually been really helpful as well to stop us getting too close - Sprout was doing his turns right into me and not leaving himself enough space to manoeuvre, but the pedestal gives him more of a visual guide so has helped him in that way too.
Who knew a pedestal could be such a useful training tool?!
This video is sped up four times, mainly because the chipmunk audio tickles me!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #pedestal #areyoudizzyyet?
Rolo's Broken Heart 💔
IN BRIEF: This is one of my favourite markings on Rolo, I'd love to find a full heart on him one day!
IN DEPTH: Now the boys are FINALLY starting to get their summer coats through, their spots are getting their definition back - they've been pure fluff balls for months and months!
As I'm brushing them every day this summer I'm noticing details in their markings that I've not seen before - and it's so much fun!
I'm yet to find the holy grail of a full heart on either of them (Sprout has a lot more spots than Rolo!), but Rolo has the next best thing!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #leopardspot #minipony #brokenheart
MWAH!
IN BRIEF: Look who started to learn to kiss today! 💋
IN DEPTH: This is normally a super easy trick to teach, but I've not tried it with either of the minis before today. They're both fairly anxious little chaps so neither really appreciate me right up in their personal space. However, they're gradually becoming more and more accepting of this strange life they find themselves in, and are slowly becoming willing participants!
It's really REALLY important with this trick not to let your horse/pony associate your face with food. This is the very first stage where I'm drawing his mouth up to my face, but I'm still feeding him from my hand in front of my face (please don't feed directly from your mouth unless you trust them 100%) - I'll only do this initially before very soon asking him to touch my face with his lips and then giving him his treat well away from my face. It's the only one I've got and I quite like it as it is!
As you can see Sprout is completely loose here so if free to walk off whenever he chooses, but we did quite a bit of this before he'd had enough - and actually I think he'd have kept going, but Orla was shouting 'home' so home we had to go!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #minihorse #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #kiss #mwah
Cross Criss Cross!
IN BRIEF: Just practising our dance moves!
IN DEPTH: Adam made us a flat bit of 'pre arena' (thanks @adamfrancisnando 😘), and the boys and I had a little dance!
This is something we've not done for a while and it's the first time we've done it here. It's a bit messy, but it's still a work in progress so I'm pretty happy with these sweet little guys!
Next time we'll try not to have Sprout's legs in the shadows!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #legcrosstimesthree!
Who's a Pretty Boy?!
IN BRIEF: I plaited Rolo's mane, and he looked smart!
IN DEPTH: I had no oomph for training the minis today, but Orla wanted to brush them. She soon got bored but was happily playing in the dirt, so I decided to plait Rolo's mane. He's never had this done before, so it was training for him after all, and I think it turned out quite well for a quickie!
It is SO much easier plaiting a mini mane on a short neck at waist height than a big horse - I didn't get any thumb or arm cramps at all! Next time I'm going to try and do a full French plait in his mane, but today it was just a quick crest plait.
Sprout's mane is about ten times the size, so that's a challenge for another day!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #minihorse #leopardspot #crestplait #runningplait #trainingistrainingwhateveryoudo!
The Littlest Trainer!
IN BRIEF: Orla said 'up'!
IN DEPTH: As you know, Rolo loves the pedestal, and he needs no excuse to step up there. Orla was wandering about, and has obviously been observing me and the ponies because she looked at the pedestal and very clearly said 'up' and up went Rolo!
I think my heart might have burst just a little bit 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #toddler #21monthsold #trainerintraining #teamworkmakesthedreamwork!
Hellooooooo in there!
IN BRIEF: They look so little in the trailer, it's so sweet!
IN DEPTH: I took Rolo and Sprout for a run out in the trailer today. They were a bit anxious travelling to and from the vets last week, so I've been doing some more practice at home and they've been much better. We only went about fifteen minutes away, stopped and had a lot of treats, and then came back again - there was a bit of foot stamping initially but otherwise they were perfect!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #IforWilliams510 #custombuilt #madetomeasure #tardis
Fit for a Mini!
IN BRIEF: The trailer is now safe for the minis to travel in without rattling around!
IN DEPTH: Adam (@adamfrancisnando) and Alex have refitted my trailer so it's custom built for the little guys - thank you!
Our first trip out is to the vets (@lowerhouseequineclinic ), where the minis will be staying for the night, and will sadly be a little bit lighter when I collect them tomorrow ✂️🍒🍒✂️
And they obviously have a lovely net full of @horsehageandmollichaff to munch on the way 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #custombuilt #madetomeasure #diy #travellinginstyle!
Follow the Leader!
IN BRIEF: Orla thinks she's leading Sprout, and he's happy to go along with this plan, even though he knows it's really me!
IN DEPTH: Orla and the minis are learning so much from one another. She's so focused on leading Sprout, that even a tumble over a pesky tuft of grass won't distract her from her very important job! Swipe to see how stoic she is.
It's also the best way to walk through the woods without having to inspect every single leaf and put every single stone in her pockets!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #spottedpony #trainerintraining #toddler #yessheisagirl #shejustlikeswearingblue!
Step Up, Step down. And Repeat!
IN BRIEF: Sprout has been practising his pedestal work, and he likes it!
IN DEPTH: He actually found stepping up quite awkward to start with, mainly because the pedestal is higher than his knees (he's quite a bit smaller than Rolo!), which makes it difficult for him. But he's absolutely got the hang of it now!
We'll keep practicing though, because the more he does it the more confident in his abilities he'll become.
And it's fun!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #leopardspot #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #pedestal #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff
Ambidextrous?
IN BRIEF: Sprout's little dance is coming on nicely, and I'm trying to make sure we can both do everything on both our left and right sides!
IN DEPTH: We still have a lot to work on, but this is the beginning of a little dance Sprout and I are currently working on.
I have always been so one sided, so I'm trying hard to ensure the minis are as ambidextrous as possible. Although I want them to work side by side eventually, it's really important for them to learn to do everything by themselves with just me first, and on both sides. The more thorough we are with this foundation work, the more flexibility we'll have when all three of us are working together - at least, that's what I'm hoping!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #minihorse #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #dancing #ambidextrous #workinprogress!
Hiiiiii Sprout 👋
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #miniaturehorse #flufftastic #wherearehisears?!
That's a First!
IN BRIEF: Orla sat up on Rolo's back today for the first time, and he was an absolute superstar!
Of course he had some @horsehageandmollichaff
to munch on whilst we messed about 😊
IN DEPTH: This all happened very easily with no pressure on either of them, and I think they were both quite happy with the result - I know I certainly am! Orla has sat on Moritz (one of my big horses @galloping_rosie) once, last summer, but other than that this is her first time on board. I definitely think she's going to be doing it more often now - I'm googling mini pony bareback pads right now!
And she's learning to say 'Ta-daah!' 😄
(Video is double speed, we don't move this fast in real life!)
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #positivereinforcement #intraining #toddler #riddenpony #ponywrangler #yeehah!
Tricks in the Wild!
IN BRIEF: Sprout came for a walk with us all today, and we practiced his leg crosses in the woods. Featuring Orla's favourite word!
IN DEPTH: It's all well and good doing tricks at home in the barn and on the yard, but the boys need to be able to perform them on cue wherever we are. I find the best way to get horses used to this is to just take them out and about, and practice practice practice! First stop is our local woods. We're so lucky to have these beautiful woods five minutes walk from home, and both Rolo and Sprout have walked here lots, so are quite comfortable.
Next up we'll be visiting local horsey events and practising in the car park!
(Orla always wants me to give them 'MORE' treats - she's yet to learn the art of timing the delivery and managing the quantity of treats!)
🎥 @adamfrancisnando 😘
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #legcross #dancing #kindof!
Apprentice Farrier?
IN BRIEF: Orla is currently obsessed with picking feet out, mine included!
IN DEPTH: Sprout is being such a good boy here. Orla is fascinated by his feet, but he's happy to stand on three legs for ages whilst we work our way around picking them all out. Orla is concentrating so hard, and working on her fine motor skills without even realising it, and Sprout is learning yet more toddler tolerance! It's a win win situation!
And I got the soles of my boots cleaned out too 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #apprenticefarrier #20monthsold #babygirl #nevertooyoungtostart!
Strike A Pose!
IN BRIEF: I just can't get enough of Rolo standing up on the pedestal - he's as proud as punch and rightly so!
IN DEPTH: Sorry for the pedestal spam, but did I mention how impressed I am with Rolo?! I mean, look at him! This is at the beginning of the second time he's ever seen the pedestal, he's at liberty with a pile of HorseHage available, and he's up there out of choice as if he's been doing it all his life!
And to top it all off, his fluffy mohican is being highlighted by the sun. Perfect.
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #goldenboy
He's Certainly Enthusiastic!
IN BRIEF: Day two of pedestal training and Rolo is keen! He's completely at liberty and has a pile of HorseHage available, but is choosing to offer pedestal work in exchange for praise and grass pellets!
IN DEPTH: Novelty usually equals enthusiasm. I often find that as soon as a horse has realised exactly what it is you're asking, that will be the behaviour they offer most. Probably mainly due to the higher rate of positive reinforcement and reward they receive during the initial stages of training, but also I suspect because their sense of achievement at accomplishing a new task is intrinsically rewarding too.
Where I need to be careful now with Rolo and the pedestal is that this enthusiasm doesn't turn into franticness. He's already offering leg crosses and pawing whilst up there, and I need to ensure he has a good solid balanced stand in the centre of the pedestal, as well as a good dismount, before we start adding in extra movements.
This is where the overlap from our Boring Basics stand training comes in! As always, it's the foundations that matter most, and even though stepping up on a pedestal is endlessly fun, ultimately being able to stand still and secure whilst up there is more important!
Rolo is powered by @horsehageandmollichaff - thank you!
#TheMiniPonyShow
#equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #positivereinforcement #definitelyfoodorientated!
Who's Training Who?
IN BRIEF: Orla showed Rolo what to do with the pedestal yesterday, and he cottoned on quickly!
IN DEPTH: Trying to train the ponies with a toddler in tow is HARD! But sometimes she comes in useful. Orla getting on and off the pedestal without a care in the world helped demonstrate to Rolo it wasn't anything to be worried about. I'd been doing it too, but Orla definitely helped reiterate the idea!
As with everything with horses (and babies!) you need to embrace every opportunity presented, turn it to your advantage and find the training value!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #trickpony #intraining #helpfultoddler #sheactuallyreallywas!
Pedestal Power!
IN BRIEF: Adam made me a pedestal for the boys today, and both of them took only a few minutes to get up there!
IN DEPTH: I am SO impressed with both these little guys today - look at them! It took Rolo less than five minutes to get the hang of it, and Sprout not much longer. I am yet to meet a horse that doesn't love getting up on a pedestal, I think they love the different viewpoint, Sprout especially had an air of 'I'm the King of the castle and you're the dirty rascal!' about him!
Onwards and (literally!) upwards with these little guys training!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #spottedpony #positivereinforcement #trickpony #intraining #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #SproutisKingoftheCastle #eventhoughhesonly32inchestall!
Boring Basics!
IN BRIEF: Today I've been practising the boys stands. Spoiler alert: Rolo is better at it than Sprout! (And Tinker and Casper are the masters!)
IN DEPTH: It's one of the most boring things to teach, but the stand is also absolutely one of the most important! I'm aiming for the minis to be able to stand wherever I park them, and to be happy and content to stay there until I say otherwise. This means a high level of positive reinforcement and reward. The goal is for them to stand still because it feels good for them, not because they're worried about what may happen to them if they don't. As always, question the method behind any training you see!
And one day they'll be absolute pros like Tinker and Casper!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #poniesofinstagram #ponyoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #positivereinforcement #trickpony #intraining #wewillgetthereeventually #TinkerandCasperareperfect!
Self portrait by Sprout.
IN BRIEF: Sprout is moulting. A LOT.
IN DEPTH: He's currently taking commissions, as he has a seemingly endless amount of material to work with!
I've been brushing him and Rolo every day, and it seems like there is no end to the fluff. It's another one of those things they weren't too keen on, but have begrudgingly realised that it actually feels quite nice after all.
And all the birds nests in the barn have a beautiful fur lining!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #art #selfportrait #astudyinfluff
Trailer Training and Toddler Tolerance!
IN BRIEF: Rolo and Sprout have been practising going in and out of the trailer every which way, and learning to ignore the marauding toddler!
IN DEPTH: I've finally got enough time and space to spend getting the minis happy and confident with the trailer, whilst having Orla bustling about squealing and banging and crashing as well!
They've only ever been on a couple of trips, and only ever to the vets, so they weren't very keen initially. This is the second time I've done this with them and they were fab!
We basically played hide and seek for ten minutes with each of them, which Orla loved, and interspersed with plenty of praise and treats both Rolo and Sprout loved it too!
This is twenty minutes condensed into 55 seconds - if only training was this fast in real life!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #positivereinforcement #intraining #toddler #gotmyhandsfull!
Orla has been helping me train the minis today!
Today I tied the boys up and had Orla 'help' brush them for the first time. They were a bit wary, but so good with her, and she LOVED it!
You can see how Sprout is a bit worried, and has his ear cocked at this funny little person with unpredictable movements, but he was an absolute champ.
I'm hoping before long the ponies will be toddler-proof, and the toddler will be pony-proof!
They had a lovely little pile of @horsehageandmollichaff to keep them happy whilst we messed about 😊
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #intraining #helpfultoddler
Sweeeeeeeeeeett 🥰🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #Rolo #Sprout #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #Fridaynightin
Tiny ponies or a big pile of feed? BOTH! Thank you so much to @horsehageandmollichaff for today's delivery - it'll keep the boys fed and happy for the next year! 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #sponsored #luckyboys #yum!
Aren't these two just the fanciest pair you've ever seen? Looking gorgeous in their lovely new @ponyo.horsewear rugs!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #fancypants #myponyisbetterthanyours!
Best way to guarantee rain on a sunny day? Take rugs off! Mini pins are naked!!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #naked #clean #notforlong!
Umm... this doesn't look like our usual supper?! Where's our @horsehageandmollichaff ??
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #leopardspot #minipony #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #nottoddlers!
2021 is that you?!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #HappyNewYear!
Filthy wet Wales means filthy wet minis!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #spottedpony #peekaboo #IspyCasper!
Family walk!
📸 @galloping_helen 🥰
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #HungarianVizsla #Emily #BlackLabrador #Monty #family #bestgang
'Hey tiny girl, you smell nice'
Rolo and Sprout have moved to the field in front of the house for the winter, and Orla has found her feet in her new wellies, so I suspect this will be a daily occurrence now!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #fedonHorseHageandMollichaff #leopardspot #tinygirl #15monthsold #onegirlandherpony
Good morning!
📸 @vickyjhill_
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #cheekychappy
Hi little guys!
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #Rolo #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #tinylittlegoodboys!
Say ahh! Rolo and Sprout had their annual visit from their dentist today. Both had some filing done and are all tip top for another year 🐴🐴
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #equinedentist #equinedentistry #microsurgery #fiddlyjob!
INCOMING!!
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Repost @galloping_helen
・・・
Hello Sprout! 😍 You are a very sweet tiny boy and I’m a little bit in love with you. . . Anyone else feel the same way?
#tinypony #spottypony #pony #minaturehorse #trot #slowmotion #libertyhorse
#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #comingthrough #getoutoftheway!
Found one of Max's hoofprints whilst out with Sprout this afternoon. Bit of a difference in size!
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#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #Max #Noriker #HeavyHorse #drafthorse #DavidandGoliath
It's a jungle out there. Especially when you're only 32" tall!
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#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Sprout #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #inthewild #willIeverfindhimagain?
Good morning!
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📸 @vickyjhill_ Thank you!
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#TheMiniPonyShow #equestrianrazzledazzleinminiature #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #horseoftheday #Rolo #MiniatureBritishSpottedPony #minipony #leopardspot #cheekychappy
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