In hand/ liberty Work

[Spiritedly]

One of my horses is just starting to be allowed out of his stable after laminitis box rest, we are currently allowed 10 minutes in hand once a day with time and frequency increasing over the next four weeks.
Now he is a bit 'special' at the best of times and is finding his few minutes of freedom a tad exciting so I was thinking of trying some things to engage his brain and get him thinking positively rather than of mischief!
So does anyone have any ideas? Before he went down with lami I did long reining as part of his exercise routine anyway but at the moment I think attempting to use longlines would result in him taking off so I need ideas that we can do with him closer to me.
He had some rotation in both fronts so don't want anything that is going to aggravate that again just something that will make it a bit more relaxing than the current walking a helium filled, fore breathing giraffe....he's an Arab x American Saddlebred so not exactly the sanest horse in the paddock even when he's out 24/7

 

[Sanguine]

Nothing specific but Equine Helper on YouTube does alot of groundwork tutorials/advice
Hopefully something there could suit you two!

 

[littleshetland]

Clicker training is great...it really gives them something to think about.

 

[Spiritedly]

Nothing specific but Equine Helper on YouTube does alot of groundwork tutorials/advice
Hopefully something there could suit you two!

I'll go and check them out, thank you

 

[Spiritedly]

Clicker training is great...it really gives them something to think about.

I can't do anything involving treat rewards with him at the moment and that's how I've always started off my clicker training when I've done it before. Do you use something else as the 'reward'?

 

[JackFrost]

Engage his brain. Put out lots of obstacles and poles and challenge him to do all sorts of manoevres with them, forwards, backwards, sideways etc. Some horses find reward in mastering or engaging with this - like giving them really interesting puzzles. If it's not his thing, he will let you know, but it can relax them giving them something to focus on.

 

[Sprogladite01]

I can't do anything involving treat rewards with him at the moment and that's how I've always started off my clicker training when I've done it before. Do you use something else as the 'reward'?

You could use cut up, treat-sized pieces of celery - one of my boys loves the stuff and the other couldn't be more disgusted with it, but worth a go! Lol

 

[sbloom]

Manolo Mendez, Straightness Training and my favourite for most regular horse owners, Celeste-Leilani Lazaris.