Spending quality time with your horse is one of the most enjoyable things to do. There are a lot of times when horse owners don’t know what activities to try with their horses, so they are stuck in just a few basic activities, who have become dull and no longer bring excitement to both horse and his owner. That’s why we decided to suggest 6 fun activities you should try with your horse. I’m sure your horse will thank you later!
1.Grooming
As you now already know, horses normally enjoy having certain spots on their bodies scratched, mainly when it is one they can’t reach or other horses don’t usually scratch. If you have found a spot that your horse loves, that it is a great way to boost your horse to want to be with you. Just try out several areas and notice your horse’s reaction. Most horse owners know that withers are a good place to scratch most horses, but you have to keep trying other areas on your horse and see their reaction. Additionally, try using different amounts of pressure or different speeds when you scratch.
2.Eating
Don’t stop until you have found a treat your horse prefers. Horses are developed to eat for at a lot of food, so don’t forget that food is very important on their list of favorite things. Keep offering your horse various treats and see which ones he really likes. You can never go wrong with carrots or apples, as a lot of horses really like them. In addition to them, you can buy some pre-made treats via the internet or from your local horse store.
3.Learning
Most horses like learning and working things out but if a duty is too hard the horse can become frustrated or disoriented. In order to avoid this, make studying easy and enjoyable for your horse by breaking the task down into super easy steps. Just when your horse learns that you can encourage him to learn, he will then look to you for direction and leadership when given new situations. Any time you need to teach your horse something, think of ways you can break it down into lots of small, understandable steps. If you help your horse to learn in this way he will look to you for direction and supervision in different situations.
4.Relaxing
It is not a surprise that horses really enjoy doing nothing! As busy as we are, we still have to try spending at least 30 minutes each week hanging out with our beloved horse. It’s more than enough if you just go and relax in your horse’s pasture. If you don’t have admission to pasture, use an arena or round pen. This is such a unique bonding time because you are asking for nothing and expecting nothing. Instead, you just stay there and are ready to accept whatever reaction your horse wants to give you.
5.Playing
Horses really like playing not only with other animals. but also with humans. We can include toys and other gadgets that encourage and boost his playful nature. Introducing new and interesting objects to your horse in a relaxed and fun way is an excellent way to boost his confidence but you have to make sure there are no parts that your horse could break or swallow. That would be very dangerous! Also, keep in made that you shouldn’t force your horse to approach the object, that’s the contrary of fun for him. Just notice if his interest gets the better of him and if he chooses to approach it. I’m pretty sure that as you begin to introduce your horse to new objects and toys, his confidence, energy, and enthusiasm will grow.
6.Exploring
Horses like to travel many miles every day with their friends. They get to detect, taste and observe several different things together. This is very good for horses both physically and mentally. You can do something alike by taking your horse for regular walks around an area that is close to where you live. If your horse doesn’t prefer to go out by himself, go with a companion and their horse. Make sure to only go where your horse is protected and comfortable. If your horse starts to get bothered then return to a distance that is closer to his home and he feels relaxed. Make the best use of this free time to get some workout for both you and your horse. It is beneficial for both of you!
