It’s every equestrian’s dream to be best friends with their horse (or pony)! Although some are lucky to have that immediate connection sometimes it takes time to build that unbreakable friendship. Looking for some ideas on how to work towards building a connection? Or even improving an existing close bond? Here are 5 activities that can work in any schedule!
1) Share your “Me” time!
Whether reading a book, going through your social media, or watching a Youtube video on your phone sit by your horse while you do it. This allows your horse to acclimatize to your presence, laughter, voice, and often will increase their interest and curiosity in you and the activities you are doing.
2) Mini Makeovers
With a quick grooming session we can work on getting our horses used to our touch and having us in their personal space. Keep these sessions simple, under 15 minutes, and end with your horse being allowed to have some time after to chill. Remember this isn’t a utility groom for a pre activity preparation – this is 100% quality time.
3) Build From The Ground Up
Creating a groundwork activity for you and your horse to complete is the perfect opportunity to praise your horse, feel accomplished, and work together on solving the task at hand. Obstacles, patterns, and exercises at liberty are all great opportunities to be creative, and as long as you keep it safe, not too challenging, and pick activities that are fun for both you and your horse there is nothing stopping you from having a blast!
4) Tasty Treats
Many hearts have been won with a tasty treat, and horses are no less susceptible to this than we are! Using fresh and natural low sugar treats are a great way to win your best friend’s attention. Whether you use your treats as a reward, or as part of a “scavengers hunt” to explore obstacles or new areas of the property these treats will help create a positive tasty memory. If you are worried about how to feed treats be sure to check out our Treating vs Teasing article.
5) Time To Give Back
Take the time to give back to your horse by doing an activity just for them. Try activities such as a calm and relaxing massage or taking them out for a walk to their favourite patch of grass just outside the reach of their regular pasture. These small activities will not be forgotten by your horse and is a great opportunity to give back for all they do to bring us happiness.