The best walking games with your horse

You probably play with your dog and cat. So why not play with your favorite equine The average rider is often unaware of all the benefits they can get from playing on foot with their horse.

However, trying them means adopting them! So put down your morning coffee and newspaper, grab a sheet of paper and write down all these great ideas for games with your companion.

Why play walking games with your horse

We too often tend to associate horse riding and work. Of course, it is important to take the time to apply a certain rigor to training. This is how you progress in your discipline, whether it is show jumping , eventing or western riding.

If you are offering or looking for horse-specific training. HorseCare24 is the platform you need to get in touch with the right professional to develop your riding skills and your horse.

But you also need to reserve moments of pleasure with your horse. This could be trying new activities, such as horseback riding, long reins, horse ball… or walking games. Here are the benefits you can get from them

Improve your bond

Who has never dreamed of becoming one with their horse The centaur fantasy is present in all those who truly love equines. Without having your head in the clouds, it is entirely possible to increase your bond with your mount.

Release work pressure

Just like you, your horse needs to relax and have fun. This is especially the case if you compete at a professional level. By playing games, you enjoy a pleasant time spent together and you take the drama out of riding sessions. It’s a whole philosophy of life in truth, which encourages letting go and the freedom to indulge.

Introduce new training techniques

We’re talking about games here, but these practices are often extremely useful. In fact, you work on your horse’s motor skills, response to orders and intelligence. It’s a safe bet that you will reap the benefits of these little games during your riding sessions.

Equifeel

Do you know the equifeel This discipline comes straight from ethological horse riding . Masters like Andy Booth taught us to desensitize our mount by stroking it all over the body with the hand, then with an object.

The goal  Strengthen your horse’s self -confidence and teach him to maintain a calm body and mind in all circumstances. Sure, it’s serious business, but you can also make a game out of it!

Start with a long grooming session that is only meant to feel your horse deeply. Pay attention to his reactions when you brush his body, mane and tail.

• How does he react to caresses, pressure, friction
• Does he prefer certain techniques or certain body parts

Then take the next step by dedicating at least one hour per week to equifeel.

Equifeel will be particularly beneficial to you if your horse is a nervous type, for example if he is a young stallion or if he is a thoroughbred. You will have fun with him while teaching him to overcome his fears . There are lots of ways to practice equifeel, here are some ideas

• Pass your horse over a tarpaulin.
• Stroke him with a “scary” object like a flag or a plastic bag.
• Spray a spray next to him or open an umbrella.
• Put on some music and observe their reactions.
• Give him a shiatsu massage.
• …

You will be surprised at your horse’s progress! Be careful of course to always stay in your comfort zone. You should not excessively frighten your companion, who retains prey reflexes fearing predators.

Equifun

Want more challenge and fun Equifun is made for you! It is practiced either with a normal halter or with an ethological halter.

Equifun is also very close to ethology, because we ask the horse to be confident and autonomous. First of all, check that your horse knows the basics of working on foot perfectly  starting and stopping on request, bending the neck, moving the limbs, a few steps back with a simple push of the chest… This should keep you busy for a good while time!

You can then test the equifun. This discipline consists of following a timed course with tests  passing between cones, in a tunnel of bars, under branches… There are even official competitions. Little bonus equifun also helps you keep in shape !

There are many other kinds of walking games with your horse. You can train him to follow you everywhere, to grab a carrot between his front legs, to pick up an object on demand… Did you also know that some horses like to “play football”

Give him a big foam ball and watch his reactions! Working freely in the quarry is also an exciting opportunity to strengthen the bond with your horse. Carry an apple or other treat if you are afraid that your horse will not come to you naturally. 

Tricks

Show and circus horses impress you why not teach your mount some little tricks?

Yes, all horses can raise their leg, sit and lie down on request or even greet the public! You will find all the ways to teach tricks to your companion in dedicated blogs and books. In practice, you will need to associate the requested gesture with the correct formula.

For example, to teach your horse to bow :

• Stand against your mount’s shoulder and grab his front. Gently drag his leg back so he kneels naturally. A treat placed between his forelegs can serve as a “carrot”.
• When your horse is placed in the desired position, immediately say the desired word (“curtsy”, “hello”, etc.).
• Release your companion’s member, praise him and give him his treats.
• As you repeat the exercise, your horse will associate the word and position of curtsy . In addition, you will no longer need to systematically give him a treat (even if it maintains motivation!).

Most horses, and especially ponies, are particularly fond of this kind of trick! These walking games with your horse increase your bond in a good mood.