5 Fun Things To Do With Your Pony That Aren't Riding!
Getting the chance to be around horses often means going to a riding school. It's easy to get the impression that riding horses is the only way to spend time with your favourite animal, but there are loads of other things you can try that are just as fun (or maybe even better!). Here are five non-ridden activities you should definitely try out!
Bodywork
Has your pony ever had a massage or seen a bodyworker? Why don't you give bodywork a try? Bodywork can help our ponies feel calmer and it can also help heal sore or tired muscles. The Masterson Method is a type of bodywork that you can start all by yourself. You don't even have to touch your pony to see amazing reactions! Check out this link for a video about how to get started.
Agility
You've probably seen dog agility, but have you seen Horse Agility? Horse Agility is very similar. You will find obstacles to build on the Horse Agility UK website and then it's all about building your communication skills to guide your horse through the obstacles and avoid penalty points. There are competitions to enter with leagues and different classes if you would like to test yourselves. If you'd rather not compete you can just have a go for fun.
Liberty
Liberty horsemanship is all about using your body language to influence your horse to move with you. With a lot of practice, you can really feel an invisible connection to your horse and anyone watching will be wondering what magic spell you've used to dance with your horse like that!
Check out the video to see an amazing liberty performance (that starts off as dressage!). If you'd like to give Liberty a go, you can learn how in our Liberty Learning Guide.
Trick Training
Trick training is a brilliant way to get to know your pony better. When you decide on a trick you would like to teach him, you will have to use great communication to explain what it is you want him to do. You will need precise timing to reward your pony when he does the right thing and your observation will get better and better as you practice.
The skills you learn while trick training your pony can help you train other animals too, and will even help you learn better, as you get better at dealing with distractions and set small goals on your way to impressive results!
In-Hand Trekking
There's something about walking side-by-side with your pony that is just magical. Being out in nature and paying attention to the things your pony sees and hears can help you feel calm, happy and connected.
If you've never walked out with your pony before, we suggest starting small and taking someone experienced with you. Take plenty of time to stop and let your pony forage for tasty plants and pay attention to what he likes best. Look at the views and take in nature. You'll love it!
If you want to try Liberty or Trick Training but you don't know where to start you can download our Liberty or Trick Training Learning Guides and follow along. Let us know how it goes with your pony!
