Little Jimmy, a miniature horse, has formed an unusual bond with a group of dogs, considering himself as one of them. This unique equine companion takes pleasure in accompanying his canine friends on walks, seamlessly trotting alongside them as if it’s an entirely natural occurrence.
Among Jimmy’s doggy pals, he has a special fondness for miniature dachshunds.
Speaking to The Epoch Times, Siobhan O’Kelly, 32, Jimmy’s owner and a professional dog walker and trainer in Devon, UK, shared, “I don’t know if it’s a mini-to-mini thing, but he loves the miniature sausages.”
Initially, the small dogs showed aggression towards the friendly pony, particularly Norman. But over time, they developed a mutual affection. O’Kelly observed, “They used to want to eat him… they were out to kill him. But now, they walk by his side or simply leave him alone. I have even given them horseback rides, where they stand on his back, which has greatly aided their training.”
O’Kelly, who holds expertise in natural horsemanship and equine management, acquired Jimmy five years ago with the intention of using him to train dogs to peacefully coexist with livestock and horses. Together with a sheep named Chopsy, Jimmy has been instrumental in teaching the dogs proper behavior during country walks.
During the training process, O’Kelly assesses the canine students’ response to Jimmy and Chopsy and conducts basic training. Once she deems them ready, she ventures with the dogs into the countryside, where encounters with sheep, cows, and horses occur frequently.
Referring to the vast moors present in her locality, O’Kelly remarked, “It’s excellent practice for walking on the moors, as there are numerous ponies around. It is crucial for the dogs to give them a wide berth and maintain distance. Moreover, when the ponies decide to gallop, I can instruct the dogs to wait and let them be.”
O’Kelly highlights the dangers posed by cows, stating, “They are very dangerous and capable of easily harming a dog due to their charging tendencies. I own cows as well, but I would never train the dogs in their proximity.”
While O’Kelly has witnessed remarkable results using this training method, she cautions against others attempting it after viewing her social media posts. She explains, “Horses, sheep, and cows are prey animals, and dogs are predators. The first instinct of a predator is to chase. Although the dogs may appear to be enjoying themselves, it is terrifying for prey animals. Sheep have even died from the mere act of being chased, even without a dog attacking them. Therefore, if you come across livestock or horses during a walk with your dog, be responsible and keep them on a leash.”
Jimmy, nearly 5 years old, has been specially trained to remain calm and avoid excessive charging. According to O’Kelly, the young gelding rarely canters or gallops when the dogs are around. Instead, he contentedly meanders along with them.
O’Kelly attributes Jimmy’s avid curiosity towards his canine pals to his youthful nature and his gender. She explains, “He’s still just a baby, and because he’s a boy, boy horses are always like that.”
Currently, Jimmy’s favorite member of the group is a Jack Russell terrier named Delilah. O’Kelly shares, “Those two are constantly kissing. If he’s not following her, she’s following him.”
O’Kelly stumbled into her current profession accidentally while working as a nanny, often looking after the children’s pets. As people noticed her training the dogs during outdoor excursions, they began requesting her dog walking services as well. Her involvement with horses commenced when she welcomed a rescue pony named Jigsaw to her life, who happens to be Jimmy’s companion.
O’Kelly, who adores her work, cannot imagine a life without animals and finds daily entertainment in Jimmy’s playful antics. She reveals, “If I gather all the dogs for a group photo and he realizes we’re taking a picture, he will come charging over to join because he doesn’t want to miss out.”
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