Here we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do with your horse this summer. It’s not exhaustive, however, each tip is meant to enhance your time with your horse and help break the circle of perpetual routine.
- Treat him/her to a physio treatment – There’s no better time for a good check over!
- Round up your friends and take a trip to the beach, an exhilarating gallop along the seafront will help blow away the cobwebs, leaving you both feeling refreshed… it’s also a great way to boost your confidence.
- Shampoo at the ready, when you get home treat your horse to a good bath to wash away the sand and debris from the beach. Choose a shampoo fortified with essential oils to make it a little extra special.
- Spend some time with your horse on the ground, in the school, teaching (or reminding) him/her to move away, respect personal space and to concentrate working on nurturing a better relationship. You’ll be surprised how much just one session like this can do for you and your horse.
- Hitch up the trailer and take him/her to a fun ride.
- Take him/her to a clinic. Local equestrian centers now host a variety of these, for all levels, targetted at different equestrian disciplines.
- Set a goal and attend a local show – OK, this may sound simple but setting a goal and working towards it can also improve your horse’s (and your) fitness, way of going and can remind you why you took up riding in the first place.
- On the topic of riding, why not try a new discipline? Switch it up a little, cross-country can be a welcomed blow out for a horse used to dressage … just make sure you train accordingly before hitting the course!
- Schedule in a hack, twice a week, to help build on fitness and strengthen those legs.
- Groom like a pro – Time to spend a little time on clipping your horse’s bridle path, wash or trim feathers, straighten the tail and tidy up the mane.
Image credit, with thanks Kenny Webster
