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  Discussion on Ideas for keeping my horse engaged and in shape while I can't ride
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 14, 2002 - 3:51 pm:

I'm grounded! Doctor's orders, no riding for at least 6 months, maybe more. Putting aside the fact that my heart is breaking at the thought of the first beautiful spring day, when I would otherwise be out in the woods with my best equine friend . . . I need ideas for what to do with my mare. My primary concern is keeping her mind active, but I would also like to keep her in physical shape as much as possible. (I am going to search for a shareboarder, which may take care of getting her some regular exercise.) And of course, I don't want to spend any less time with her, even though I can't ride her -- and I don't want to lose the bond that we have.

Soooo, I could use some creative ideas. I was thinking of exploring Parelli, or Tellington-Jones, or some other "game" type system. I don't know enough about any of them to know which are riding-based. I was also toying with the idea of beginning ground-driving, but I don't have anyone knowledgable to help me.

My mare is 16, if that makes a difference; perhaps some systems are geared more for training younger horses?

Any and all ideas are welcome! Thanks,

Lisa

Posted on Thursday, Feb 14, 2002 - 4:50 pm:

Lisa, I have an idea for you: join the Yahoo discussion group called essentialtricktraining.

This is the most fun you can have with horses without riding - actually, for me it's even more fun than riding.

This group is hosted by a fellow in Texas who is doing the most amazing things with his horses and who shares his ideas and experiences most generously - as do many others on the list.

Here you will find detailed instructions for teaching your horse to lie down, sit up, bow, stand on a pedestal, retrieve - you name it.

Best of all are the dozens and dozens of fabulous photographs showing that it CAN be done. Ever seen a miniature pinto sitting at a table, playing checkers? How about a stallion lying flat out on the ground and a 3-month-old foal SITTING on his belly - and both of them kind of dozing off, they're so relaxed!

It's not just tricks - think of circus acts that incorporate elements of high school dressage, the airs above ground, all done at liberty.

I dare you to have a look at this site, and at the pictures and NOT be excited at the prospect of giving it a try.

You might find you don't miss riding at all!

That's my suggestion.

Kathleen

Posted on Friday, Feb 15, 2002 - 4:01 pm:

The Tellington Jones books/video are great. I've got several of her books, but I like the illustrations/pictures in "Lets Ride" (ok, don't let the title fool you!).
Another thing I recently started doing is clicker training. It's great fun and I've noticed that it definitely has increased the repoire with my mare.
There are two web resources I recommend. Alexandra Kurland has a book "Clicker Training for your Horse" and several videos. There was a recent article in EQUS on her. Here's the web site www.theclickercenter.com. Yahoo has a VERY active group on clicker training. clickryder. There's also a link to this from Alexandra Kurlands page. Hope this gives you some info to think about. The premise behind this all is reinforcing positive behavior. My mare enjoys this so much she actually begs to come out and work.
Hopefully by the end of your "prison term" you'll find some great benefits from doing all this ground work. I've been really happy at how much this has tuned me in to communicating with my horse. Good luck and a speedy recovery!
Sandi
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