HI Spy: Time out of the saddle

Groundwork and trick training can be fun alternatives to riding or additions to your regular training routine. Photo: Leslie Potter

Most horse owners would love to ride every day, but sometimes life gets in the way. Whether your horse comes up lame, a bad stretch of weather hits or you simply don’t have time to commit to riding, sometimes time spent with your horse doesn’t involve getting in the saddle.

On the other hand, plenty of horse owners take on rescues that can only be companions, knowing they’ll never ride. Many dedicated owners provide their former mounts with a well-deserved retirement for years after hanging up their horse’s bridle for the last time.

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What can you do with your horse when he can’t be ridden (or when you are unable to ride?) Plenty! Most horses love long grooming sessions, which also serve as excellent bonding time. Other horse owners find that the results achieved through groundwork are just as gratifying as mastering under-saddle skills. Others find that trick training is a great way to spend quality time together.

What activities do you enjoy with your horse when riding just isn’t an option? Click “Submit a Comment” below and share your thoughts. Some of the answers may be selected for a future issue of Horse Illustrated.

One selected response may be selected by the editors to win a monthly prize! If you would like to be eligible for the prize, please include your email address in the comment form (email addresses are not publicly displayed.)

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13 years ago

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View Comments

Aimee says:
April 3, 2012 at 7:40 am
I just either take him out to the pasture and just let him graze or I give him a massive full-body grooming.
Mackenzie says:
April 3, 2012 at 7:54 am
My favorite way to spend time with my horse Blaze is to go out into the pasture with him(no halter or lead rope) and just spend time with him.
Angie says:
April 3, 2012 at 8:36 am
sitting on the hill watching them graze and talking to them to see which one will look up ate me first
Becki says:
April 3, 2012 at 11:24 am
I always have enjoyed walking out to the pasture, calling the horses, and watching them run towards me; stopping just before they get too close. Or maybe it's the nickers. Or when they come and place their head in my lap. Whenever I spend time with my horse without riding it, whether it's teaching him to kneel, or just grooming him, it's always worth my time.
Emma says:
April 3, 2012 at 11:58 am
We like to play the 7 Parelli horse games, which help our bond and improve our trust. But most of the time I just go out into the pasture and sit on the sun-warmed back of my Morgan cross, and read a book, or just relax, close my eyes, and breath in the smell of horse while I listen to her soft munching and rythmic breathing. NOTHING gets better than that!!!
Grace says:
April 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I have a back injury that prevents me from riding. So with my four little brothers ages 1-9 who are too scared to ride yet; my horse gets a lot of grooming and being walked around the yard. It is still a lot of fun, even if I can not ride.
Faith says:
April 3, 2012 at 2:06 pm
When I can't ride due to weather or other circumstances I like to do ground work with my horse. We do alittle bit of Parelli and I spend alot of time grooming. I work on ground manners and showmanship. My horse and I enjoy this just as much as we love riding.
Bella says:
April 3, 2012 at 2:45 pm
When I'm not riding, I typically do ground work grooming, etc. But sometimes it feels good to take off his halter, lock him in the round pen and just walk around in there with him. Seeing if he'll follow me and just hanging out and loving on him. :)
Callie says:
April 3, 2012 at 4:18 pm
When I am not able to ride, I mostly groom, but sometimes I just lead them around to get at least a little exercise or I do some groundwork.
Erika says:
April 3, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Blue Country Dancer and I spend time grooming and eating snacks. As soon as my back and legs get stronger, we will be doing tons of ground work to correct some issues of respect.