Let’s just admit it, horses are basically giant, fluffy goldfish. They are scared of invisible
monsters or even the ever so famous demon, plastic bag *gasp*. With a brain just a bit bigger than a walnut, it makes it easy to get unfocused and bored just doing the same ole’ thing every day. If I were them, I wouldn’t want to jump colored sticks or make fancy circles every day either. It is super important to keep the goldfish happy by keeping their brain happy.
With a brain just a bit bigger than a walnut, it makes it easy to get unfocused and bored just doing the same ole’ thing every day. If I were them, I wouldn’t want to jump colored sticks or make fancy circles every day either. It is super important to keep the goldfish happy by keeping their brain happy and mix up the routine. Even just spending a day giving them a good bath and some treats rather than helps. I have compiled a list of my top 6 favorite things to do outside of the ring with my horses that keep their brains happy and healthy.
1. Going For A Walk!
This is hands down one of my favorite things to do with any of my horses. Liam loves to see his buddies outside in the fields and grab the occasional mouthful of grass, no matter how much I dislike it later while cleaning his bit. Oh well, happy horse, happy life right? This can be done on or off horseback but if you don’t feel like walking on foot the whole time, bring your helmet along so you can hop on if needed.
2. Spa Day!
Owning two grey horses means that these kinds of days happen a bit more frequently than any of the others on this list, especially since Pearl loves to roll in whatever will make her dirtiest. To learn how I keep my grey as white as possible you can check out my article about it here! Use this time to really scrub out the dirt and give your horse a good massage. When they feel good, they act that way as well.
3. Mini Photoshoot!
As I am an obsessed pony mom, I do these a ton. Taking the time to brush your horse and take some photos is always fun. Plus you get those fun snapshots you can annoy, sorry I mean show off to every single person you meet! If you are feeling super into it, you can even book a pro photographer to go and get high-quality photos of you and your fur babies together. If you don’t want to drop a large sum of money on that, enlist a friend with a camera or even just a camera phone to help you out!
4. Cuddle Time!
I live for cuddle days. Just sitting around and spending time with my babies make my day twenty times better. Liam loves his neck scratched and when we have cuddle days, I grab that curry comb and become his personal itching post. Pearl, on the other hand, loves to just be pet, no matter where. And when your attention wavers from her, even for a moment, she likes to make it known that she is the princess and demands the pets commence with a good hard booty bump.
5. Treat Fest!
This option is very popular amongst my food motivated equines. I really love to make homemade treats and then have a treat fest where the ponies get to choose what they want. If you want a good recipe, check out Hunt Club’s pony poptart recipe here. Eventually, they are all cut off and any leftovers go into the barn community treat jar so every horse can enjoy some spoiling.
6. An Off Day!
This may seem odd but giving a horse an extra day off, even if it just every now and again, can be really helpful. I know I love when I have a long weekend and can delay going back to school/work so why wouldn’t they?
Bonus: Clean Your Tack!
This one is a bit more geared towards the rider but it helps to horse out too. If your saddle is hard and uncomfortable, you don’t ride at your best. When you don’t ride at your best, your horse can’t perform at its best. If you clean your tack often, give yourself a pat on the back and keep doing what you are doin’!
I hope y’all enjoyed my top 6 favorite things to keep your horse’s brain happy. If you have any questions feel free to DM on instagram @equestrian.syd !
Until next time preps,
Sydney & The Ponies
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