Do horses get bored??

Derfette

Derfette

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 February 2011
Messages
380
Location
Helston, Cornwall
Visit site
I work full-time 6 days a week so now with the dark evenings, the only time I get to ride is on a Sunday. My boy Fred is now 23 and is one of those horses that doesn't need to be worked regularly. I've been lucky enough to be able to give him several weeks off and then just start riding again without problems. He seems happy and healthy enough out during the day and in at night, but after a busy summer at shows this year, I'm now thinking do I just give him the winter off completely and not ride until we get the lighter evenings again, or do I try riding on a Sunday (weather permitting)?? Do you think horses get bored from staying in the same routine each day for several months at a time?? All thoughts and ideas would be appreciated, thanks!
 
They don't get bored not being ridden unless they are stuck in a stable all day with nothing else to do. But i would try and ride on a sunday to keep his muscles going, at least a little bit. if you leave him you will have to restart which might be ok but might be a pain too
 
I don't think many horses get bored in the way people do, most are more than happy being horses, being able to eat or browse constantly, move about as and when they want, play if they feel like it and sleep when they need to, they rarely need stimulation in the way we do, the more stimulation they get often the more they need, so by having a routine they tend to relax, which we may see as boredom.

I am not sure whether riding once a week is beneficial or not to an older horse, it may help keep him muscled up but it could possibly be a bit too much if he ends up missing a few weeks, I think I would play it by ear, if he starts to drop off muscle then if you cannot exercise more frequently give him the winter off and start again in the spring.
 
I've got one who starts to get bored if she's out of work. She enjoys doing stuff and hates to be excluded from what others on the yard are doing.
If she's in work, she's also less likely to destroy things.

This is a pony that has a regular routine when not ridden, is out 24/7, has company and has a large paddock.
 
I took my 21 Y/o out for a stroll today after not sitting on him for 2 weeks, he literally grabbed the bit from my hands so I think he was pretty keen to go out yes - he's out 24/7 with hay and company but he still really enjoys a plod now and again

I think with a young horse time off does them real good to relax muscles and let minor injuries heal. for the older ones I think ticking over is better for them in the long run
 
If they were allowed to roam the open plains with all the action that it would entail, I guess they wouldn't get bored at all��

In all seriousness though, my mare really loves to go out and about and practically begs to be ridden and one of the other mares on our yard becomes very very naughty if all she sees is the school and the paddock. Get her out on a hack however and she's golden. She also knows she's going and gets quite revved until we're on our way.

Is suppose it depends on the horse tbh.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top