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There could be a variety of reasons why your horse can't be ridden for shorter or longer periods. If that's the case for you, we've gathered some suggestions that could make your riding hiatus a bit more manageable. After all, there are plenty of things you can do with your horse that don't involve riding.
If your horse can't be ridden, this might be an opportunity for you to spend time riding a variety of horses. Of course, this would require you to be in a place with many horse owners - and not least owners who are willing to lend out their horses. You might be so fortunate to receive a few pointers on how they typically ride their horse - which you could perhaps apply to riding your own horse once it's ready again. Even a plod around can reveal your good as well as bad habits, as a new horse surely won't react the same way as your own horse does.
The horse's stall has never been cleaner! When you're not riding, you can afford to spend a significant amount of time mucking out, doling out hay, mixing feed and all the stable work which usually gets done rather swiftly. Perhaps your equipment needs a good clean? Imagine having your gear all polished and ready when your horse is ready to be ridden again!
Also read: Do you lead or walk with your horse?
You can practise things from the ground that you find difficult while riding. When you practice from the ground, the horse avoids being affected by, for example, your slight asymmetries or weight shifts. Simultaneously, you can clearly see how your horse moves. From the ground, you can practice everything from the stop signal to lateral movements or even piaffe and passage. You might also opt to do ground work, training your horse to stand still, back up or acclimatise your horse to frightening noises or objects.
If your horse is allowed to go out and move around, the riding break might be an opportunity to teach it something new from the ground. Have you always dreamt of harnessing your horse to a carriage? Riding breaks can also be used to introduce your horse to long reins. With time, you might even be able to attach a carriage, if you fancy it.
A riding break could be an opportunity for you to delve into a new training method or some new theory. The time you don't spend in the saddle, you can use to attend courses as a spectator, watch webinars online or participate in lectures. You will undoubtedly gain a lot of new knowledge. Knowledge that you can use when you're back in the saddle! Use the riding break to reflect on what works in your riding - and what doesn't. Use your new knowledge, and devise a plan for how to incorporate it into your riding in the future.
We hope that some of these suggestions can be useful for you and your horse. Whether you're facing a voluntary or involuntary riding hiatus, there's always something new to learn.
