Out of the saddle

Try our 14 ways to spend time with your horse from the ground

Spending quality time with your horse doesn’t always have to be ridden work. There are plenty of things you can do to enjoy time together from the ground, helping him feel relaxed and creating a deeper bond between you. Obviously, every horse is different and yours might not like everything on this list but pick the ones you’ll both love and give them a go!

1. Groom – this may sound like something very obvious and simple but that’s the point! Spending some extra time giving your horse a good groom will have him feeling and looking fantastic.
2. In-hand walking – this could be around your fields or out on a hack. It’s a great way to go exploring and gain trust from your horse while on the ground, especially if he’s a little worried when leaving the yard.
3. Massage – it’s great when the physio comes out to give him a treatment, but did you know you can give a massage between treatments? Next time your physio visits, ask for some tips on massaging techniques to try yourself.
4. Bath – some horses love this, but others loathe it! But if yours loves a bath, give him a good wash down and if you’re lucky enough to have a solarium, a session under the lamps afterwards will go down a treat, too!
5. Watching your horse graze – switch off from the outside world and watch him grazing in the field. He’ll enjoy the company and it’s a great way for you to see his behaviour when he’s out in the paddock.
6. Water playtime – if your horse is a water baby, take him to a nearby river, stream or beach and let him have a play in the water – don’t forget to take your wellies, though!
7. Perfect the little things – this may not be as relaxing as you would hope but it’s a great way to tidy up his naughty habits. Maybe he’s one for rushing out of the stable or perhaps he refuses to stand still for longer than a second. Work on these issues and, in no time, you’ll nip those naughty habits in the bud.
8. Practise your plaiting for shows – if you’re horse is happy to stand and have his mane and tail plaited, use this to your advantage by perfecting your plaiting skills, it’s a great way to spend time with him and horses make great listeners if you want to have a chat or a moan!
9. Play with your horse – this might sound strange but taking your horse in the school with an exercise ball can be great fun! There are all kinds of other toys you can try if ball games aren’t his thing.
10. Obstacle course – grab some odd objects and poles and take him around an obstacle course. It will be something different for him to look at and a great way for him to learn to trust you on the ground when he’s not sure about something.
11. Long line – another good way to increase confidence without your horse following you. Practise in the school before moving on to long lining around the fields. Then, if he’s behaving impeccably, you could try it out on a hack! It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you, though, in case of any moments when he may need a lead.
12. Liberty work – using an enclosed area, have a go at doing some liberty work. Not only is it something different, you’ll both find it so much fun, too!
13. Hiding treats – grab your horse’s favourite treats and hide them around his stable or field so he must use his senses to find them – it can be great fun to watch, too!
14. Make a picnic – this one’s not just for you! Make a picnic with items you both love and take it out to his field. If he’s very well behaved, you could even take him to the beach or some other interesting location to enjoy your picnic together!