Why Your Horse Needs A Playground!
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Horses need constructive play and so do their owners.
I’m at the gym with my husband, Terry, walking on the treadmill. My goal is to go three miles and I am about half way there and I am already struggling. Not physically, but mentally. It suddenly dawns on me that this is what a horse must feel when they are lounged. As I looked around the room I realized that everything in the room was the same, walk, walk, walk or move my arms this way or that. No wonder I am going crazy! This is why my horse has a playground. A play ground for your horse, you’ve got to be kidding! Playgrounds prepare you and your horse for the trail and other challenges by building your relationship on the ground first. Don’t train your horse with boreing round pens. Make things fun for both of you by adding barrels, bridges, poles and other items to your pasture. The things you can do with each obstacle is endless. It challenges your imagination and makes you a better leader when you can get your horse to do the reguested task. Start off with simple tasks, such as walking over a pole or putting his nose on a barrel. Once you have accomplished your task on the ground you can try it mounted. This kind of play gets your horse to focus on you, develope your leadership skills through trust and respect and build a lasting relationship. All work and no play makes a very dull horse. Horse play will keep both of you in shape metally as well as physically and it’s just plain fun! Did you visit? Leave a comment.
