You can have plenty of fun with your horse outside of the saddle.
Most horse owners ride, but there will be times when you’re unable to. Your horse may
be injured, too old or young, the weather may be too hot, or you might not have enough
time. The list goes on and on! Riding isn’t a requirement of horse ownership.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your horse that don’t involve riding. These
activities are a great way to connect with your hooved friend.
Non-Riding Activities with Horses
1. Grooming: It might sound simple, but brushing your horse is a fun way to connect
with them. You get to learn their body and check for any abnormalities. That’s vital
as a horse owner! Give your horse a pamper day and make them feel like a million
bucks. You can pull or braid their mane, comb out their tail, trim up whiskers, and
curry up dust/dirt.
2. Liberty: Training without the constraints of a halter or bridle can really test your
relationship. Learn to communicate with your horse and teach them different tricks
on the ground.
3. Obstacle course: You can build one or travel out to an already establish one.
They’re great for desensitizing. You can incorporate tarps, bridges, pool noodles,
umbrellas, etc.
4. Pole work: Like an obstacle course, poles are wonderful for holding your horse’s
interest. You can set them out in all sorts of patterns. The horse can walk over them,
back through a pattern, perform a 360, sidepass, among other maneuvers.
5. Hand grazing: This is a relaxing activity that can be done for 5 minutes or 30+
minutes.
6. Bath: Take your grooming session to the next level with a shampoo bath. Your
horse will be squeaky clean!
7. Enrichment: You can set up an apple bobbling station or create a frozen popsicle
treat for them to work at.
8. Lunging or long-lining: If your horse is sound and able, some exercise on the
lunge line is a great way to keep them fit.
9. Carrot stretches: Stretching your horse is wonderful for their balance and flexibility.
Involve a carrot or treat and you’ll hold their attention.
10. Clicker training: Positive reinforcement training allows you to connect with your
horse and put their needs first. There are all sorts of things can teach them with a
clicker and some treats.
11. Groundwork: From yielding their hindquarters to backing them up, groundwork
develops a solid foundation in your horse’s training.
12. Driving: It can be fun to teach your horse to pull a cart!
13. Jumping: You can create a jump course and run alongside your horse as they go
over them. This is popular in the Miniature horse world! You can also send them
through a jump chute to improve their jumping skills.
14. Trail walk: There’s nothing more enjoyable than a walk through the woods with your
best buddy. Your horse will likely love all of the new sights!
15. Go for a jog: Increase you and your horse’s fitness with some jogs around the
arena or farm.
16. Photoshoot: Plan a photoshoot with your horse. You can even incorporate props
like ribbons in their hair or a flower crown.
17. Splash in water: Do you have a nearby stream or pond you can play in? You can
walk your horse around the water and let them get used to it. You can even take
them to the beach in some areas.
18. Picnic: Find a shady tree and relax with your horse and lunch. Bring an apple or
carrot for them to enjoy!
19. Hang out in their field: With no particular agenda, grab a lawn chair and hang out
with your horse in their field. You can even catch up on your favorite horse book!
20. Vital signs: Spend some time learning your horse’s normal vital signs. Take their
temperature, heart rate, and measure their breaths per minute.
What fun activity will you try with your horse? When you take time outside of the saddle,
you can develop a great bond.
