10 Activities to Do With Your Horse When You Can't Ride
There are times when riding isn't an option, but that doesn't mean you can't have meaningful interactions with your horse. Whether you're recovering from an injury, facing bad weather, or just looking to mix up your routine, there are plenty of rewarding activities you can do with your equine partner. From building trust through groundwork to creating engaging training games, you'll find that these non-riding activities can strengthen your bond and improve your horse's overall well-being. In this guide, you'll learn 10 productive and enjoyable ways to spend time with your horse, helping you make the most of every visit to the barn – even when you can't climb into the saddle.
Build Trust Through Ground Work Exercises
Ground work is the foundation of a strong partnership with your horse. By working together on the ground, you'll develop mutual trust, respect, and clear communication that carries over into all your interactions.
Essential Ground Work Exercises
- Start with basic leading exercises, teaching your horse to match your pace and respect your space
- Practice lunging to improve responsiveness and establish clear vocal commands
- Use desensitization exercises with ropes, bags, or tarps to build confidence
Equipment You'll Need
Keep your ground work sessions safe and effective with proper equipment:
- Well-fitting halter and lead rope
- Lunge line (at least 30 feet)
- Lunge whip or training stick
- Safe enclosed area or round pen
Watch your horse's ears, tail, and body position during these exercises - they'll tell you when your horse is relaxed and learning or feeling anxious. Start with short 15-minute sessions and gradually increase duration as your horse's attention span grows.
Fun Training Games to Keep Your Horse Engaged
Training games are a fantastic way to keep your horse mentally stimulated while strengthening your bond. These activities combine learning with fun, making training sessions something both you and your horse will look forward to.
Engaging Training Activities
- Target training: Teach your horse to touch specific objects on command
- Simple obstacle courses using poles, cones, or barrels
- Liberty work: Practice communication without physical contact
- Hide and seek with treats in safe containers
Benefits of Training Games
Regular play sessions help develop your horse's problem-solving abilities, boost confidence, and improve responsiveness to commands. Aim to incorporate 10-15 minutes of games into your training routine 2-3 times per week, keeping sessions short and positive.
Remember to reward your horse's efforts with praise and occasional treats. As your horse becomes more comfortable with basic games, gradually increase the difficulty to maintain engagement and continue building skills.
Practice Essential Care and Grooming Skills
Regular grooming sessions offer the perfect opportunity to bond with your horse while maintaining their health and appearance. By turning these daily tasks into quality time together, you'll strengthen your relationship and catch potential health issues early.
Essential Grooming Tools
- Curry comb for loosening dirt and dead hair
- Dandy brush for removing debris
- Body brush for final polish
- Hoof pick for daily cleaning
- Mane and tail comb
- Clean towels and grooming mitts
Making Grooming Interactive
Turn grooming into a positive experience by focusing on your horse's favorite spots. Use gentle circular motions and watch their body language to identify areas they enjoy being touched. This helps you learn their preferences while performing important health checks.
During grooming, run your hands over your horse's body to check for swelling, cuts, or heat. Pay special attention to legs, hooves, and joints. These daily checks help you spot potential problems before they become serious issues.
Master In-Hand Work for Better Communication
In-hand work is a powerful way to refine your communication with your horse while staying safely on the ground. These exercises help develop your horse's suppleness, responsiveness, and understanding of aids, creating a foundation for better performance under saddle.
Key In-Hand Exercises
- Shoulder-in from the ground to improve lateral flexibility
- Turn on the forehand and haunches for better body control
- Side-passing along a fence or wall
- Backing exercises for responsiveness
Equipment for Success
You'll need:
- Long lead rope or training reins
- Dressage whip as an extension of your arm
- Well-fitting halter or bridle
Start with 10-15 minute sessions, focusing on clear cues and immediate release when your horse responds correctly. Watch for signs of understanding like relaxed ears and willing movement.
Create a Stretching and Flexibility Routine
A regular stretching routine keeps your horse limber and comfortable during non-riding periods. When done correctly, stretching helps maintain flexibility, prevent stiffness, and identify potential soreness or injuries early.
Safe Stretching Exercises
- Neck stretches using treats to encourage natural movement
- Carrot stretches for back flexibility
- Tail pulls for hindquarter mobility
- Leg flexion and extension (with professional guidance)
Stretching Guidelines
Always warm up your horse with 5-10 minutes of walking before stretching. Hold each stretch for 10-15 seconds, watching for signs of comfort like relaxed ears and soft eyes. Never force a stretch – let your horse guide the range of motion.
Aim to incorporate stretching 2-3 times per week, ideally after light exercise when muscles are warm. If you notice any resistance or discomfort, stop and consult your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Activities
Here are answers to common questions about non-riding activities with your horse:
How long should each training session last?
Keep sessions between 15-30 minutes to maintain your horse's focus and interest. Multiple short sessions are more effective than one long session.
Which activities suit different horse personalities?
Nervous horses benefit from quiet groundwork and stretching exercises. Energetic horses excel with obstacle courses and liberty work. Curious horses often enjoy target training and problem-solving games.
When should I contact a professional?
Consult a trainer or veterinarian if you notice:
- Resistance to previously accepted activities
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Difficulty with basic exercises
How often should I do non-riding activities?
Aim for 3-4 sessions per week, alternating between different activities. Always start with basic exercises before progressing to more complex ones.
What's the best way to track progress?
Keep a simple log of activities, duration, and your horse's responses. Note improvements in behavior, flexibility, and responsiveness to help guide your training plan.
