Rambo the Miniature Horse
A Wanderer Finds Roots
Rambo: The Wandering Miniature Horse Sets Roots
I met Rambo and Tammy when I was writing The Book of Miniature Horses: Buying, Breeding, Training, Showing, and Enjoying (Lyons Press 2006). Rambo was at one time a wandering misfit; a little spotted stallion that had been passed around by well-meaning folks. He was discovered wandering in the road one day and that is where Tammy came into the picture. She learned his latest caretaker was just not able to handle a rambunctious little stallion. Tammy was an experienced horse owner and she decided to give Rambo a home.
She was warned that Rambo did not have any training to speak of, but Tammy figured working with such a little horse could not be all that hard. In The Book of Miniature Horses, I quote Tammy saying, "Boy, did I have a lot to learn about the power and strength of a Mini!"
The first order of business was to geld Rambo. There would be no need to pass on his genes and geldings are less inclined to be a handful than stallions. Tammy used the round pen for Rambo's initial schooling. Rambo rebelled at being trained by biting, kicking, rearing, and pulling. During one round of trying to subdue the small, but powerful horse led to a back injury for Tammy. She didn't give up. She spent hours just sitting in his stall talking to him. The patience and work paid off. Finally, the groundwork was established and Rambo decided Tammy was someone he could trust.
Upon measuring Rambo's height Tammy knew he was eligible for registration with the World Class Miniature Horse Registry. Rambo's main station in life is that of a beloved pet. He also has done quite well in the show ring. Tammy had Rambo trained to pull a cart by a professional for nine months. Then, with lessons for Tammy from the trainer, she carried on the miniature horse's training to cart. Now Rambo is shown in driving and in-hand classes at Miniature Horse Shows and has a nice collection of prizes. Tammy also drives Rambo for fun, and participates in various events to help promote the minis locally.
Tammy says she and Rambo are best buddies now. She takes him for walks, lets him bob for apples in his water trough, and just say the word "cookie?" and Rambo is ready to grant Tammy anything she asks of him.
Most miniature horse owners will tell you these little horses are like potato chips, you can't stop with just one. Rambo has a pasture mate now. She is a miniature black mare named Tiara.
