Danny the Miniature Horse
Danny the Miniature Horse
Hi I'm Dee, I live in the South Island of New Zealand and I have my best buddy Danny in harness and now being driven.
We get up to lots of fun adventures and hijinks and we love to find joy in life ... I giggle, he bucks for joy so we laugh often.
Previously I had a registered Paint called Dude who I also trained in harness, he was much more chilled and my main transportation as I was legally blind because I have a degenertive disease that affects my eyesight and my immune system.
I have good days and bad days and try to celebrate the good days.
I love country music, other than that, I'm just me :D
www.youtube.com/@DeeinNZ
I hope you enjoy our videos as they are supposed to make you smile and to share the scenery we enjoy.
Your subscription is appreciated and valued.
*Never let the fear of striking out preventing you from playing the game*
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You are so brave out on the road with a green horse! Way to go! Looks like you've brought him along really well!!
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. It was a little hairy in the beginning but I knew he needed the experiences, challenges and opportunities for us to build trust, learn more about each other and figure out what worked for us, now he's awesome but the beginning sure was challenging, he's the toughest pony I've ever had and he was sure hard work in the beginning but totally worth it. It's why we did 19 months of long reining before we put a cart anywhere near him, he had so much energy and attitude to burn haha.
It seems that the pony with the light mane is a bit lazy and stubborn
Hahaha which one the large one or the small one?
@@DeeinNZ The smalller darker one
@@DeeinNZ at 5:30
@@TraumhausRommelsried ah, no she's just young and in training, this was only her 2nd outing with a group. She's doing amazing. It's all experience and confidence building at this stage, I offered her the chance to see if she'd brave going over first, knowing she might say no, that's ok, she will get braver every time, it was a steep exit too.
I love the group outing.
Me too, company always makes things more fun, I adore Danny but he can't hold a conversation to save himself and I talk way to much! Hahahaha.
I did miss you both. I am glad you and Danny had a great outing.
Awww thank you :D We did, and best of all, we got another outing the next day.
That looks like a lot of fun
It was a lot of fun :D
I love how Danny's dapples are shinning through so beautifully today.
I know doesn't he look awesome clipped? He's so much more comfortable clipped at this time of the year.
Why are the comments disappearing?
There aren't any on this video except yours as far as I know.
@@DeeinNZ I saw one earlier talking about the dogs. You Tube is really deleting a lot of comments lately. It makes no sense why they are doing it.
@@shakeyj4523 oh wow, ok, I never even saw it.
🎊🎉🎉🎊
:D
The leaves have begun to fall, I hope this means you two can go out without getting overly hot. Danny seems to really like the river water and does not mind helicopters flying by, he is a gem.
Thank you for your lovely comments, yes though sadly it means it will get cold quick, we all love the inbetween seasons, not to hot, not to cold ... though if you notice he's getting super fluffy now, I gave his tail a winter chop last night, he will be clipped soon and feel better, if I don't clip him out for winter he overheats far too much. No he is used to everything flying around, the Taylor River is right beside Omaka airport where they teach pilots to fly so when we travel up and down it there are always planes practicing take offs and landings so a lot of them come pretty low over us, every now and then the shaddow will give him a bigger fright than the actual plane. He LOVES the river, Marlborough has such hard stoney grounds I think the water is soothing on his feet. I love the rivers too which is why when I go places I try really hard to get access to one as I know he appreciates the drink, especially if we are out for 3 hours or when it's warm out.
You talk to her like I talk to you in the comments, and that is hilarious. We all love to help each other, and that is great. Too bad you two can't go out together. That would be some fun video to watch. I don't have anyone either.
Thank you for your lovely comments. Yes, it's hard when you don't have company, we love it and they love it, my biggest issue is people think their horses will be scared of the cart but the reality is, it's the people who are scared, very quickly the horses don't even care.
I love seeing the autumn come to your part of the world when we are experiencing spring. I am looking forward to seeing the grape vines turn different shades of autumn colors depending on the variety. I live in wine country here in California and I love going up into the hills to look down on the vines in the valley below with each field turning a different color.
Aww thank you for your nice comment. I have a bit of a conflicting feeling about the vineyards, very few of them allow access to their headlands which is the best surface and the safest place for us to be. Where you see me go through vineyards is usually only because those parts are on public land and they have no choice but to allow us access. It's rather heartbreaking because so much land has been turned into vineyards there are becoming fewer and fewer places to ride and roads are scary these days, especially when your only little so we pick and choose, depending on the day or the week, the time of the day and even the time of the year where we can go.
I am absolutely disgusted.
Oh? What part disgusted you, the stunning scenery, the beautiful autumn day, the river, the teamwork, the conversation, the laughter, or the horses joy and exuberance living his best life enjoying exercise and scenery instead of being confined to a paddock?
When mine acts like a complete bonehead, I try to remember the mantra "make the good things easy, and the bad things hard". So if I get a refusal, I just start working on something else, even if it is driving in circles. Make them MOVE but not in a way that they might enjoy. Then let them rest a bit by what you want, and if for instance he accepted the bridge, let him rest on it (he should be huffing a bit by then) and even give him a treat when he crosses. Then immediately cross back and if he balks he goes right back to work on something hard but not the bridge. They usually get the idea that the thing you want is the easiest (and hence the best) thing to do, and they don't usually shut down in the process. It works for me anyway, so it's just a suggestion. I've had it work with spookers too. Something isn't quite as scary if they get to catch their breath by it and rest.
Hi and thank you for your input. I did do all of that (except the treat, I had none) I think I figured out what happened. A few weeks ago on another drive, he slipped going over an arch bridge, I think it's thrown him because he'd been over that particular bridge a heap of times with no issue but because it's another arch bridge, I think he was worried he was going to slip again so considering that, I think I might need to lead him over arch bridges for awhile till he gets his confidence back.
@@DeeinNZ Yes, that would do it. Leading is a good idea too. Mine slipped on some paint, and it took her a couple of weeks to be comfortable again. She got mad though. She wants to stomp it every time we go over painted markings on the road. They are such interesting creatures.
I enjoy your videos so much. I stumbled across your older videos a few weeks back and it’s so lovely to see how far you two have come. How often do you drive Danny?
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We got out as often as weather and my health allow, sadly I have health challenges meaning I don't get to do it as much as I'd like but I aim for 3 times a week, sometimes we hit the target, sometimes it's a couple of weeks because we go out. I have numbered every single drive in the video description and dated every one in the title which tells you how many we have done in total and generally how often because I did think that would indeed be a question. I first started putting them up because I could find very little about harness training a mini specifically and then I decided it was a good thing to share because he can be such a challenging pony and I know there were times I felt like a failure so I hoped there would be others out there who might find inspiration to keep going when things aren't going according to plan in whatever their passion is, then I thought it would be neat to document our progress and finally I thought it might be nice for my friends who don't live near me and other people to see some of my local scenery and the places we go so I am very happy to hear you are enjoying our videos and I value your comments, thank you.
Oh and finally, I thought if I could get enough subscribers, maybe it could help contribute to a some treats for Danny because my budget is always so stretched with the fuel required to get us to places.
Brings back so many great childhood memories ❤
Awww that is so lovely to hear. I am glad you enjoyed it. Must have been a lovely childhood.
@@DeeinNZ yes it was
Did you notice improvement in his ability to drive without blinders on? I have a mare that gets a touch anxious (blind in one eye) with them on. I’ve considered putting on a standard English bridle to see if she responds better.
Absolutely, he did not do well with them on, he is too nosy, he wants to see all so he would twist himself around trying to see around them, made me think what was the point? So I took them off. Like everything with horses they are not a one size fits all, they will always try and show you what they need.
You two are an amazing pair. He trusts you so much, I was not sure if you were going to make it over the bridge, but he did knowing you had his back.
Aww thank you so much. We have our challenges but I would like to think we have indeed built a bond and he knows i have his back, he's got very good now at standing still knowing I'll protect him from dogs and I would hope that would carry over to trusting me on other things but thank you for your lovely comment.
You seem to have nerves of steel, do you ever get scared when he acts up like that?
Because we did 19 months of long reining even after doing a good 6 months of getting to know each other before we even attached a cart I got to know him and his reactions pretty well. I know that he likes to buck and I know when he gets super frustrated he rears but thankfully between the 2 of us we know not to push it far enough that he would flip over backwards (I hope) I don't usally get scared persay but the backing up and the spitting of his bit trying to evade me when things are going really wrong I would say unsettles me more than scares me, simply because by him doing so we have completely lost our form of communication and have effectively stopped 'talking' to each other, those times I am sad his reactions have taken over the power from our teamwork so I just work at trying to get him back. I have had one instance where he nearly sent us backward over a bank into a ditch which was scary but I don't hesitate to jump out and grab him (as you saw) if things go into the too hard basket but only for a reset as the fix has to be from driving, leading him through a situation is not a success, it's a fail in my mind. It's one of the biggest challenge in harness and where it differs the most from riding, you MUST have the ability to reassure, reinforce and engage from behind without patting them. It's why harness horses have to be braver out front on their own but still take direction instead of someone clamping legs on and stroking a neck. Thank you for watching and I appreciate your question.
Lovely dapples on him
Thank you. I do love his pretty dapples.
😘☺️🥰😍👩❤️👩🐎🐴♥️💖💝💞🦋🇱🇾
🦄🐎🎠🐴
youtube algorithm recommended one of your most recent videos. Danny looks like he has improved so much since he was started in harness, both in training and body condition! you must be very proud :)
I am proud of him, he's come such a long way and it hasn't been easy, there were many times I doubted myself and his ability to do the job but now he loves it and so do I. I have even come to love his sass and hijinks, he has personality and should be free to express it, I've never wanted a robotic 'yes mam' kind of horse, I've always wanted a team mate, he just has to sometimes remember I am still the captain haha. Thank you for your lovely comment.🤗
Does anyone think this is horse abuse bc she’s forcing the horse to go eventho it’s tired
I do not abuse my horse, he wasn't tired, he was full of beans, could you not tell that by his bucks? He travels that route often and right where I had to growl and remind him to keep going was where he likes to pretend to shy because he tries to tell me there are scary things in the bushes every time and this day I wasn't having that excuse. (which can be proven by other videos of him doing exactly the same thing) He would have done the same thing if we had been at a walk. He is also cautious because it is an off lead dog area so he is wary in case any dogs come flying at him (like they are inclined to do) and requires me to remind him I have his back and will protect him, as I have done many times. If you actually pay attention it was the 1 time the whip touched him and then after that he did not need reminding that he doesn't call the shots again, in fact he kept speeding up after that until he knew it was time to start slowing down again. He's very fit, we do lots of milage, he certainly wasn't tired and we walked for a significant time after that. Perhaps if you further your education regarding horses you might learn that given the right fitness build up they are capable for more than a 30 min plod around a paddock that a lot of people do.
What nice roads and trails!! Definitely doesn’t mind water😁💕
He loves the water, I always try and get us in the river so he can have a drink because we are usually out for 2-4 hours. Right now, we are in summer and having some hot days, that's why we went out super early. It also helps to soak his feet because even though we have some good trails, it's still far to much gravel and rocks for my liking and he doesn't wear boots so I figure standing in water would be a nice relief, I think that's why he's so happy to just stand in the river, normally he fidgets when we stop but in the river, he's happy to just stand.
That sounds lovely and probably feels wonderful to him. I always forget that you are opposite us in seasons.. LOL!@@DeeinNZ
you could at least say somthing
😂 What did you want me to say? I said heaps actually but I play music on my drives and it was too loud this day which would have breached You Tube Copyright polices so I dubbed music that is allowed over the whole thing so it wouldn't just be silence. If you check out my other video's you will hear me quite often, so much so I worry people get tired of hearing me laugh and yabber :D I will try and do better for the next one 🤗. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching 🤠🖐
Needs the G meter on the heads up display to monitor cornering performance ;) Horses can be so very intelligent, until the wind catches a trash bag.
Hahaha, I didn't think about turning that one ... next time :D
Don’t under estimate these little short numbers they are great fun &very gutsie
Totally, he never says no to going somewhere new, he loves adventures and going interesting places. I am hoping to add some gps speed to future videos as Danny can move! ... I clocked him today going uphill at 27km....if you watch todays video (27 Dec) you'll see what hill I'm talking about .. only reason we had to slow down was sadly my friend fell off.
@@DeeinNZ he should have choices
@DariaHarruff He has and he loves his choices and he complains royally when we don't go out and about. He comes running every time we are going out because he enjoys seeing people and going places.
Free Danny from hard labour.
Haha, Danny loves his outings and his adoring fans.
Doesn’t look hard to me 🤷♀️
Animals love to have their jobs that they were created for!❤ Looks like he is having a great time!❤
@@IDriveHackneys not at all, was a lovely relaxing drive, except when he forgot to hurry across intersections for safety sake.
@@cristineconnell7803 he does love his outings, better than being stuck in his paddock.
Bless him, he did well, how many miles did you both do,
We usually average between 3 and 13 miles (5-20km) depending on the heat, the location and the company we may or may not have.
Is there a purpose to making this sweet creature do something he would rather not do? Just wondering.
To cool off on a hot day after a drive. To provide mental stimulation. To provide medicinal support to legs and feet and joints. To solidify our bond of trust. To build on his desensitisation so he can cope with the challenges of life. Lots of purpose. I do as much as I can with Danny, exposing him to as much as I can in a safe way to enrich his life and for our joy in taking time to treasure as many moments of life that we can while we are on this planet. He was not forced to do this. He freely moved around, was guided, and asked to enter the water and quite often played pawing at the water. If he didn't wish to be in that water vigorously, there is no way I could have out muscled him. He was asked a question and answered for himself. Life is full of things we would rather not do, but sometimes you just do it, and sometimes you find it's not as bad as you thought it would be. The waves were loud, he's used to a river but not the noise of breaking waves that was all.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
😁
Your new camera works well
Really well I am so grateful for it.
Looks like he was enjoying himself
Yes but he forgets he cannot snorkel and breath sometimes haha.
Love this! You are patient with him. He went great over the stream! So much fun 😁
Thank you, hard to believe how long ago this was. He's a special type of sausage, I learned really early on you can't push him, you just have to niggle him and literally annoy him into giving in, if you get forceful, he either ignores it, or retaliates. He loves streams now as you will see by more recent footage.
Sweet little horse!!!❤❤❤
Thank you. He sure is a character.
😂😂😂😂😂 omg awesome
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Such fun to watch him become more confident and obedient.
Thank you, and thanks for watching.
Such a fun day! That river is just stunning and it’s not even fully clear yet after the most recent rain Danny was smitten watching Kate play in the water! Laughed so much when she almost faceplants going into the deep stuff, I so thought we were goners! Then the snort buck moment just topped it all off. Talk about greet personalities. They are becoming such firm friends fast and clearly admire and enjoy the company of each other ❤
Thank you for allowing us to be your side kicks and inviting us on these fun adventures.
You handle everything with such calm. How?! I would've freaked with that little buck lol!
Awww thank you. He has bucked from day 1, that's why he wears a bucking strap, to prevent him getting high enough to get his legs over the shafts. He bucks for so many reasons, when he's excited, frustrated, angry ... they are part of his character now. It helps that we have been doing this for awhile now, so I know him well. If you go back and watch other videos you will see the bucks happen a lot haha. I started putting videos up because I couldn't find any of people doing what we do, now I put them up to make people smile and laugh and to show that your horse doesn't have to be perfect for you to love them, love being with them and for them to enjoy life. Everyone deserves joy in their life. Thank you so much for watching, I appreciate you and have a great day.
@@DeeinNZ that makes so much sense. I've been drive training my mini as well, and it's so good to see someone show the good and the crazy! It gives me a lot more confidence to keep going. Like you said, it doesn't have to be perfect. I get sooo hung up on that sometimes and barely have the courage to keep trying!! She hasn't bucked for me but can be barn sour which can be interesting. So thank you. Very much!!
@lanasoto88 you are very welcome and I am so happy it helps. Just keep working on your partnership and trust in each other, take the time it needs to understand them, accept they have good and bad days too and remember to keep the fun .. after all that's why we do this, for fun first and foremost and it should be fun, for us and them. I commend you for putting in the effort gto give your mini the chance to have a life better than being stuck in a paddock and hope you have lots of fun adventures together. Be sure to subscribe and remember if you start feeling like you are frustrated with your progress, just watch our first 25 drives together haha.
I hate using the whip at the driving because it hurt the horse. You were hard hearted with the horse and I am sorry for that.
I hate using the whip too and only do if I need too though technically your supposed to use it and not the reins if you drive the way tradition determines. It certainly doesn't hurt the horse though, that is not the idea. It's a reinforcement of an aid, like spurs are for riders and when used correctly a valuable tool but everything can be used to cause pain from bits to saddles or spurs to whips in the wrong hands ... in fact you don't even need artificial devices to cause pain which is never the intention of an honourable person. I encourage because sometimes Danny (like all of us) says 'make me!' but he can still (and sometimes does) choses to say no.
I love watching your videos. Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome. So happy they bring you joy 😊 Cheers
This is very informative. How wonderful to have such a long traffic free road to drive your ponies on. Both pony and driver will be able to really get the hang of it without worrying about traffic as well.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love this adventure , what a way to travel!!! ❤🦘
It really is!
I have a mini named Danny too! He's being trained to drive, and is a little shit, but this made me feel a lot better! He's actually not as much of a devil as he could be! Lol!
😂 welcome to the fun!! Yay for another going into harness, these little ones deserve more than a life stuck in a paddock, they have adventurous spirits amd wish to get among the world. I am so pleased it made you happy, it is why I make them.
It looks like you had a lovely ride! It would have been nice to see what he was pulling. Also, I bet he has the cutest face on the planet, but all I saw was his rear end...
I took some of that in my last video for you. I will take more next time.
Wow, different attitude. Nice. Can't see but is he wearing a bridle - I can tell its open face. Did that make him feel more comfortable to be able to see as usual? 👏 on persevering. Paid off. 😊 Very attractive bay also.
Yes he is wearing a bridle, he actually wears a 2 part bridle which is a halter and bridle combined. He is too nosy to go in a closed bridle, he likes to see all the goings on. The blue is the halter, the green is the bridle :D Thanks for your comment and for watching <3
i indonesia
huh?
❤😂
Gland you enjoyed it :D xoxo
I know you wanna be softer, but that horse needs a crop. I know you don’t want to because he’s small and cute, but treat him like you would treat a normal sized horse.
I just kept watching, I noticed that you do have a crop! I’m sorry. You need to use it more, not to hit him, he needs to know
You do realize this video is almost 3 years old???😊 one thing I learned from Danny is that I could sit there and beat him till my arms fell off with a whip and it would achieve nothing, if I niggle and annoy and wait him out it gave us more results. We now have an amazing relationship and have done almost 200 drives going on adventures together after we had done 18 months of groundwork just to get him in the cart. Danny is an entertaining chap with a very strong will and an attitude to 🔥 but I love him to pieces, and we have lots of adventures together. We have had a couple of disasters but significantly more laughs and fun together. 😂❤ thanks for watching.
@@DeeinNZ I did not notice! I also do not know your horse, so it is good to what what works best for your, I know my horse would immediately listen with one small tap. But everyone is different!
Always love to see Danny
Thank you. Sometimes when I am about to upload a video I do wonder if anyone is getting joy from our outings, so thank you for watching and most of all enjoying them 🐎
That wasn't a carrot. That was a Baseball bat! Lol Bit carrot.
Haha I know it was huge, we had to take half home. Sweet kid, we appreciated the thoughtfulness.
@@DeeinNZ I meant to say big carrot. Lol And it was. What a sweet kid.