bored horse

[kfrew]

My mare is very easily bored. Especially in the school. If i take her on the same hacking route a few times she gets bored with that as well. I do poles, jumps, transitions in school and try to go to new areas for hacks but this is limited so im now running out of ideas to keep her stimulated and interested in me. Any ideas????

 

[ForeverBroke_]

When your in the school whats your typical routine?

 

[cokelly]

Try using gridwork in the school, making different shapes of jumps with the poles (i.e. stars, spreads with a tray or two underneath with waters/or feed bags). You could also use elevated trot and canter poles, or put poles in a circle to work on. Another idea is put two poles on the long side (say one at H and one at K) and try to vary how many canter strides you get inbetween. Do some work in and out of barrels/cones. You could try bombproofing her by putting an umbrella up in the school and working around it (obv this would work better somewhere where there is little wind!)

For hacking, take loads of different routes (Even if you've been places before). Go out with friends if possible and have a good canter somewhere! Or to do something really different (and get yourself fit) take your horse out inhand. It's more fun that it sounds...it's a great opportunity to get her to trot with alongside you and stop when you stop. Practise opening and shutting gates or weaving in and out of trees.

Just be constantly thinking of new things XD Hope this helps!

 

[ladyt25]

How do you know she's bored exactly? (sorry but I can't imagine she can possible tell you!) Does she get turned out?

I wouldn't concern yourself - is it you that is bored? Do you compete or get out to fun rides etc? Maybe try a bit more of that. Horses love going to 'parties'!